Spice Bazaar

Description

The most famous spice and trade bazaar, reaching us from the Ottoman Empire to the present day, known for its colorful shops.

Story

The Spice Bazaar, built in 1660 by Turhan Hatice Sultan, has served for centuries as one of the most important points of the Ottoman Empire's trade veins. It got its name because a large part of its endowment income came from the Egyptian province. Located in the heart of Eminönü, this bazaar holds a special place in Istanbul's trade history with its spices, dried nuts, herbal mixtures, medicinal plants, and traditional products. Its L-shaped plan ensures a fluent circulation within the bazaar, and along its corridors, where nearly 100 shops are located, Ottoman bazaar culture lives on like a vibrant museum. The Spice Bazaar has been exposed to many fires and natural disasters throughout history; especially the fires of 1940 and 1998 caused great damage, after which the bazaar was extensively restored and brought back to life. The vaulted structure and thick stone walls of the interior cause acoustics to echo, which gives the bazaar its unique atmosphere. The scent of spices rising from every shop creates a lively market feeling that brings people from different cultures together. Having been of great importance during the Ottoman period to meet the culinary needs of both the public and the palace, the bazaar still remains one of Turkey's most famous tourist attractions today. Consisting of businesses that best reflect the spirit of Istanbul, a crossroads of East and West trade routes, this bazaar offers visitors an experience intertwined with flavor, tradition, and history.

Visit Tips

• It is closed on Sundays.
• It can be extremely crowded during noon.
• Bargaining is common.
• Eminönü tram station or ferry pier is quite close.

Photos