Shopping in Istanbul: Discover the Best Bazaars and Typical Turkish Products
Istanbul is a true paradise for shopping enthusiasts. From modern shopping centers featuring top national and international fashion brands to ancient and picturesque bazaars where you can find carpets, jewelry, spices, and traditional products. Below, we present a complete guide to Turkey’s typical products and the most famous bazaars in Istanbul.
Typical Products of Turkey
In Turkey, especially in Istanbul, you’ll find a wide range of traditional products that reflect the country’s culture and craftsmanship. Among the most popular items are:
Carpets and Kilims
Turkish carpets are famous worldwide for their quality and design. They can be found in bazaars, specialty stores, and even street stalls. If you decide to take a carpet home, be sure to request a receipt for easier customs processing.
Antiques
While many items sold as antiques may be reproductions, keep in mind that Turkey prohibits the export of genuine antique pieces. If you purchase an item over a hundred years old, you’ll need a license issued by the Provincial Museum.
Baklava and Turkish Sweets
Baklava is one of Turkey’s most typical desserts, made with nuts, pistachios, and almonds – a perfect gift to take home. In Istanbul, you’ll find a wide variety of Turkish sweets around almost every corner of the city.
Replica Products
In Istanbul, especially near the Grand Bazaar, you’ll find replicas of well-known brands, including clothing, shoes, bags, and watches. Although not authentic, these items are very popular with tourists.
Spices, Tea, and Coffee
Spices, tea, and coffee are essentials in Turkish cuisine. Traditional spice blends and Turkish tea make perfect gifts to bring a taste of Turkey home.
Nazar Boncuğu: Turkish Evil Eye
The evil eye, known in Turkish as nazar boncuğu, is a popular protective amulet. According to tradition, this amulet protects against the evil eye and is a typical souvenir from Turkey.
Istanbul’s Bazaars
The bazaars of Istanbul are not only markets but also places filled with history and culture, where you can experience the essence of Turkish life. Here are two of the most important bazaars in Istanbul:
Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With over 60 streets and more than 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar attracts thousands of visitors daily. In this labyrinth of shops, you’ll find everything from carpets to jewelry, clothing, and home decor items.
Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı in Turkish), is located in the Eminönü neighborhood. It is the second-largest covered bazaar in Istanbul, famous for its wide variety of spices, herbs, sweets, and nuts.
Tips for Shopping in Istanbul’s Bazaars
Bargaining
Bargaining is a common practice in Turkey’s bazaars. Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price, especially in carpet shops, jewelry stores, and leather goods shops.
Check Product Authenticity
Often, products that look like antiques may be reproductions. If you wish to purchase an authentic item, it’s recommended to shop at reputable stores and request a certificate of authenticity.
Bazaar Hours
The Grand Bazaar is typically open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Spice Bazaar also closes on Sundays. Visiting in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds.
What to Take Home?
Istanbul offers a wide range of traditional items and souvenirs. Among the products we recommend taking home are:
- Carpets and kilims: unique pieces of great artisanal value.
- Nazar boncuğu: the famous evil eye, a symbol of protection.
- Spices and Turkish tea: to add a touch of Turkish flavor to your meals.
- Baklava and Turkish sweets: ideal for gifting or enjoying at home.
Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for those seeking unique and authentic shopping experiences. With this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make the most of your shopping experience and explore the rich culture of Turkey’s bazaars and markets.
