Egyptian Bazaar

One of the most important parts of any trip to Istanbul is a stroll through the Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Market (Mısır Çarşısı). Under the ornate vaulted ceilings, you will find all the delicacies and souvenirs most liked by tourists in one place. These include spices, dried fruits, cheese, sausage, jam, nuts, seeds, tea, dozens of flavors of Turkish Delight and more. You can also find jewelry, pottery, silver, and other crafts.

Built in 1664, the bazaar used to be a place where goods imported mainly from Egypt were sold. Hence its name. Later, however, it was also called the Spice Bazaar, because the variety of goods and spices were imported from different countries besides Egypt. The Spice Bazaar is designed in an L shape and has a total of 113 shops. During the Ottoman Empire, the bazaar served as a pharmacy for many years. Despite two major fires in 1691 and 1940, the bazaar was rebuilt and the last renovations were completed in 2018.

The bazaar is open every day (except public holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the summer period (April 1 - October 30). During the off-season (October 31 - March 30) it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There is no entrance fee. It takes about half an hour to visit the interior if you don't want to spend more time shopping. Depending on how much you want to shop and bargain, you'll spend another hour or so exploring the market streets that surround the market building on all sides. Be sure not to miss the narrow market street called Hasırcılar Caddes that runs west of the market building.

https://turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Sights/GoldenHorn/EgyptianMarket.html

Photo: Pierre Metivier