"The Grand Bazaar"
The Grand Bazaar or Kapalı Çarşı is located in the Fatih district of the city of Istanbul. It is not only the largest roofed ancient bazaar in the whole world, but also the oldest one. It is also known as Büyük Çarşı or Grand Bazaar because of its size. The word Kapalı Çarşı means covered market. It is a roofed market that stretches up to 61 streets and holds as many as four thousand shops.
The Kapalı Çarşı was built in the year 1455-1456, shortly after the conquest of Constantinople, almost six hundred years ago. During the late hours of the Byzantine Empire, the city of Constantinople was economically weak and unpopulated. After Sultan Fatih Mehmet conquered the city, he took many initiatives to revive the city's former glory. An important part of this was to strengthen the city's economy and repopulation of the city. With this in mind, Sultan Mehmet 2 ordered to build of a number of Mosques, Külliye, Bazaars, and a new castle. The construction of the Kapalı Çarşı or Grand Bazaar was also part of the initiatives which were taken to revive the exhausted city. But the huge bazaar didn't start out as big at first. It had a humble start that grew into the giant hub of trade that later on helped stabilize the ottoman economy and solidify the empire's power over its terrains.
The journey of the Grand Bazaar started when sultan Mehmet 2 built an edifice near his palace now known as Eski Saray or the Old Palace. This newly set market was for the trade of fabrics and jewelry. He named it Cevahir Bedesten (pronounced Jewahir Bedestan), a name taken from the Persian language which meant Bazaar of jewelry and clothes. There was a market for second-hand goods in the vicinity which was called 'Bıt Pazar' in Turkish. Another important part of the vicinity was the long market or Uzun Çarşı. In 1545 under Sultan Suleiman I, Mehmed II built another covered market and named it the "Sandal Bedesten". The name is derived from a kind of thread woven in Bursa, which had the color of sandalwood. While the Cevahir Bedesten was reserved for the trade in luxury goods, after the erection of the Sandal Bedesten, the trade in textiles moved there. The two buildings were isolated at the beginning. In between, them and the Beyazıd Mosque stood the ruins of churches and a large cistern. But the bazaar became so popular and profitable to traders that soon many sellers opened their shops between and around the ruins and a whole quarter was born, devoted exclusively to trade and commerce.
The Grand Bazaar, also known as the Kapalıçarşı, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is famous for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its diverse and colorful selection of goods.
The Grand Bazaar is home to over 4,000 shops and stalls, selling everything from traditional Turkish textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and leather goods, to spices, sweets, and souvenirs. It is also known for its unique architecture, featuring intricate vaulted ceilings, ornate domes, and winding alleys that create a labyrinthine shopping experience.
The Grand Bazaar attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to explore its vibrant atmosphere, sample local cuisine, and haggle with vendors over prices. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Turkish culture and history, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich artistic and commercial heritage.
Traditionally the Grand Bazaar had no 'shops' as found today. Instead, merchants sat along both sides of the roads on wooden divans in front of their shelves. Each of them occupied a space six to eight feet in width, and three to four feet in breadth. This was called a 'dolap' meaning a stall. Precious goods were not on display. They used to be kept in cabinets elsewhere. Clients could sit in front of the dealer, drink tea or a Turkish coffee and talk with him in a relaxed manner. The reason behind the rise of this bazaar was the way the ottoman government encouraged trade. Traders were well treated and well kept in several 'Karavan Saray's around the market. Every day after sundown, all the gates were closed and the whole market was guarded by Ottoman guards. Similar trades were concentrated in one street. Each street used to be named after the goods sold there. The reason behind this was to protect them from theft and fire and to ensure maximum security. A theft occurred extremely rarely. Protecting the goods of the traders from theft was the official responsibility of the state. The state ensured the fairness of deals and trade rates in the Bazar. As a result, the reputation of Kapalı Çarşı grew far and wide and merchants from all trade routes from all over the world started to come to trade here. The vast extent of the Ottoman Empire and its control over lands and trade routes and the connecting of three continents made the grand Bazaar the most important trade hub of the region. By the beginning of the 18th century, there were no Bazars in all of Europe that could rival the Grand Bazaar. The bazaar became rich in variety and quality of goods. An English traveler commented, "A tour of the inner Bedesten could easily ruin a few Rothschild families". Because of the ethics of Islam and in the guild system which provided a strong social security net to the merchants, the ethics of trade in the bazaar, Indifference to profit, absence of envy in the successes of other traders, and a single and correct price were the beautiful traits of the Ottoman bazaar during its golden age. But the unfortunate westernization of Ottoman society and the influence of the national minorities caused the introduction of modern mercantile ethics in Grand Bazaar.
During the peak of its glory, the Grand Bazaar had 61 roads in it covered by a roof with several mosques, fountains, and Karavan Sarai's. But after a few disasters including a fire in the 16th century and an earthquake in 1894, the reconstruction work left the bazaar much smaller than its original form leaving several sections out. Changing global markets and finally, industrialization was the last reason for the downfall of the once greatest bazaar in the world. Yet still, Grand Bazaar is one of the most visited tourist spots in the world. Every day around sixty thousand tourists visit the vicinity. In 2011, the year of its 550th birthday, the Grand Bazaar was the number 1 most visited tourist spot in the whole world! Tourists are treated with Turkish çay and delight in the shops by very friendly and welcoming shopkeepers. The merchants are very friendly. Today, things like Turkish rugs, Turkish delights, Turkish coffee, spices, and decorative items are mostly sold in Grand Bazaar. The Kapalı Çarşı or Grand Bazaar is a must-visit place in Istanbul. If you too want to visit this ancient bazaar and go back in time to explore the vibrant colors of fabrics, the sounds of traders calling customers, and the smells of spices and delights, contact Ottoman Tours and Travels now to get amazing offers on tour packages with convenient accommodations and transportation facilities.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is generally open seven days a week, with the exception of some national holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The opening and closing times of the Grand Bazaar can vary slightly depending on the day of the week and the season, but in general, the opening hours are from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
On Sundays, the bazaar opens a little later, at 10:00 am, and closes a little earlier, at 6:00 pm. During the winter months, the Grand Bazaar may close an hour earlier, at 6:00 pm, while during the summer months it may stay open a little later, until 8:00 pm.
It is important to note that these are general opening and closing times, and some shops within the Grand Bazaar may have different operating hours. It is always a good idea to double-check the opening hours of any specific shops or stalls you are interested in visiting, especially if you plan to go in the evening or on a Sunday.
In conclusion, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a unique and iconic destination that has captivated visitors for centuries. As one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar is a testament to the enduring power of trade and commerce in human history. Its colorful stalls, bustling crowds, and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Istanbul.
Throughout its long history, the Grand Bazaar has evolved and adapted to changing times and circumstances. It has survived natural disasters, fires, and political upheavals, but it has always managed to bounce back and continue thriving. Today, it remains an important hub of economic and cultural activity in Istanbul, attracting millions of visitors each year.
At the heart of the Grand Bazaar is the art of haggling, where buyers and sellers engage in friendly negotiations to reach a mutually satisfactory price. This tradition has been a staple of the market since its inception, and it adds to the unique and lively atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
In addition to its commercial significance, the Grand Bazaar is also a treasure trove of art and craftsmanship. The market is home to hundreds of shops selling a wide range of products, including traditional Turkish carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. Visitors can also find exquisite examples of Ottoman architecture, such as the ornate gates, domed ceilings, and intricately tiled walls.
Overall, the Grand Bazaar is a vibrant and lively destination that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the importance of trade and commerce in human history, and it continues to be a source of fascination and inspiration for visitors from around the world.
You can also experience this amazing Historical city with great accommodation and transportation facilities, and knowledgeable tour guides with various language skills, just by contacting Ottoman Tours and Travels.
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