Description of the attraction
Built in the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world. The bazaar is located east of Istanbul University, in the Beyazit area. In ancient times, there were shops here that gave their proceeds to the St. Sophia Cathedral. During the Ottoman period, the Sultan ordered the construction of a Covered Market on the site of the shops. The market is believed to have been founded in 1461. More precisely, in 1461 the Internal Market was built, located inside the Covered Market. But its outer part - Sandal-Bedesten - was built later. During its existence, the market has expanded, and today it looks like a small city covered with a common roof. The huge labyrinth bazaar covers an area of 30,700 sq. M.
The Grand Bazaar is a huge complex with 2,600 shops, 65 streets, 22 gates, 24 private hotels and market squares, 2 covered markets, restaurants, mosques, fountains and eateries. There are more than 500 shops selling gold products. The owners of these shops pay a monthly rent in the amount of $ 5-8, and therefore, the tactics of trading in the bazaar are quite aggressive.
The shops selling jewelry, carpets, ceramics and spices are very popular. Many counters are grouped according to the type of product sold, i.e. separate areas for trade in leather clothing, jewelry, etc.
There are several gates to enter the Grand Bazaar, the Nurosmane Gate is considered the most spectacular. They are made in the form of an arch in the Moorish style. The arch is decorated with a marble fountain, which was created in memory of the fire that took place in 1954, which destroyed a third of the market. Nearby is the Nurosmaniye Mosque, the first Turkish baroque building.
The main street of the Grand Bazaar is Kolpachnikov Street. It is on this sparkling street that shoppers love to stay. There are shops selling jewelry made of silver and gold. If you turn right and walk further to the Old Bazaar, you can see an extraordinary collection of items made of copper, gold, as well as antiquities.
The goods are stored in two domed stone buildings located on the territory of the Grand Bazaar. One of the buildings was ordered to be built by Mehmed II in 1464. The Grand Bazaar was damaged during the 1894 earthquake. After the earthquake, restoration work was carried out. Currently, from 250,000 to 400,000 buyers come to the Grand Bazaar every day.
