Covered Bazaar (Kapalicarsi)
The Grand Bazaar is a must -see attraction in Istanbul as it is among the biggest and the oldest covered markets in the world. It consists of more than 4000 shops divided in different areas according to the good type. There is something for everyone and the Grand Bazaar is considered to be real heaven for shopping lovers.
The Grand Bazaar was built during the 15th century and from that moment on it has been drawing the interest of people from different parts of the world. In the Grand Bazaar visitors can find literally all kinds of goods such as jewels, pottery, spices etc.
The complex that has been enlarged once consists also of two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, and several cafes and restaurants. In the centre of the Grand Bazaar is the high domed hall of the Cevahir Bedesten, where the most notable items and antiques were to be found in the past, and still are today, including furniture, copperware, amber prayer beads, inlaid weapons, icons, moth er-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and silver and gold jewels set with coral and turquoise.
The Grand Bazaar is opened from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 - 19:00. It is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
