Istanbul Trip, April 2007 - Kapalıçarşı (The Grand Bazaar)

(Sorry guys, I'm skipping ahead. I've decided to write about Istanbul while it's still fresh in my mind. I will write up about Colonge, Nurmberg and Wales later on.)

In front of one of the entrances to the Grand Bazaar

Kapalıçarşı (The Grand Bazaar, or the Covered Bazaar) is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It covers an area of around 31,000 square meters and it has more than 60 streets and 4,000 shops.

The Bazaar was first constructed in 1464 with the order of Mehmed II 'the Conqueror' and had many restorations over the years due to the extensive fires and destructive earthquakes.

Inside the bazaar!

There are many things on sale at the bazaar, including carpets, jewellery, carpet, leather goods and lots of pirated designer bags! Shop owners are generally very friendly and they try very hard to get people into their shop. There were lots of: "Please come in! Just look! No obligations!" and "Can I please show you just two carpets?". Failing that, they even tried, "Why don't you visit my shop?".

We went into a carpet shop and look through a fair few carpets. The carpets are mainly made of wool or silk. The price is determined by the material as well as the details of the pattern. The tighter the knots, the better the carpet. Sadly for them, I wasn't ready to part with 400 pounds just for a carpet short of 2 metre square!

We also visited the silver quarter, which is attached to the bazaar. There was a silversmith working on a silver vase and he was hammering on the vase with much precision (and force!). The level of workmanship is incredible. The silverware are actually very attractive, but it is also very high maintenance!

We didn't end up buying anything insude the bazaar as it was our first day. It is definitely worth a visit though. And if you are into shopping and haggling, you will find paradise there! :)

Antique, probably fake?

Finely decorated ceramic ware.

Lots of chunky gold jewellery!