- Built in 1461, the Grand Bazaar is like a giant maze comprising of 66 streets and 4000 stores on a total covered area of 40700 square meters and is a major tourist attraction.
Grand Bazaar lies in the well-known triangle of Nuruosmaniye, Mercan and Beyazıt and covers a total indoor area of 45 thousand square meters. It is comprised of 64 streets, 2 smaller bazaars, 16 traditional Turkish Lodging facilities (Han Buildings), 22 gates and 3600 shops. Known as the oldest bank of the World and biggest bazaar of its kind, Grand Bazaar attracts 300thd-500thd visitors per day, predominantly made of tourists.
Its earliest Stones were laid in 1461 by the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmed yet the main bazaar was actually build in wood during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. The core constitutes of the Inner Bazaar(Cevahir Bedesteni) and New Bazaar (Sandal Bedesteni). Withstanding many earthquakes and fires during its history, The Bazaar was reconstituted after 1894 earthquake to its current form and underwent its most recent renovation 1982.
SPICE MARKET
Spice Markets lives up to its glorious past as one of the oldest market places of Istanbul. It was built as a charitable foundation with the order of Safiye Sultan in an effort to raise funds to support the New Mosque’s construction costs. Its construction originally started in 1597 but it was in 1660 that the Market was completed and opened, thanks to the patronage of Hatice Turhan Sultan and the work of Architect Mustafa Aga. Originally named as Valide Market and later as New Market, its name was changed in 18th century to Egyptian Spice market in memory of the monetary contributions of Cairo province for its construction and in view of Egypt being the origin of the spices sold.
Leather, textile, fabric, marble, silver and gold products, carpets and kilims, souvenirs, and bags are some of the goods on sale at he Bazaar.
THE OLDEST BANK AND THE LARGEST BAZAAR
Grand Bazaar is known to be the oldest bank in the World and the largest bazaar of its kind. Storeowners in the bazaar, highly trusted by the general public would also serve as safe keepers for precious stones or metals in return for small fees. Savings of the public would be taken on loan and put to good use to serve as further capital and enhance trade. A large part of state treasuries were also deposited here for safekeeping purposes.
Egyptian Spice market is a large bazaar offering dried herbs, medicinal plants, various different foods and all types of spices. Today, in addition to spices and herbs, it has everything from jewelry to textiles and souvenirs on offer in the 100 stores inhabiting the Market.