Markets of Istanbul
Strictly speaking, Istanbul has emerged as a market. It was the place where the exchange took place between the inhabitants of Asia Minor and Europe. From the east they brought grain and oil, and from the west - metal articles. It was a very long time ago. Then the city of Byzantium was built near Bosphorus, which became famous during the Greco-Persian wars. Then it was named the second Rome. Then - Constantinople. And finally, after the fall of the city, - Istanbul... And all this time there was a brisk trade in the city. Chroniclers claim that markets of Constantinople were open even during the siege of the city by the crusaders and Ottoman Turks...
Egyptian Market
This is not the biggest, but the most specific market of Istanbul. It smells of spices from around the world. They were brought to the city in the time the Ottoman Empire, at a time when Egypt was a province of that empire. Therefore, the market was called Egyptian. The second title is Spice Market. The roof of this amazing market is covered with lead, which in summer makes coolness, and in winter the same lead, which "absorbed" the heat in summer, gives it back. Today the Egyptian market, located at the Eminonu pier (Sultanahmet district), is open just like two or three hundred years ago. It is believed that this is the largest spice market in Europe. Apart from spices, you can always buy here various delicacies, smoked meat, cheese, honey and various sweets.
Grand Bazaar
This wonderful city - Grand Bazaar really resembles to a small European town - appeared simultaneously with the capture of Constantinople by Ottoman Turks. Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, a talented administrator, immediately understood the importance of trade. Therefore, he forbade his troops to plunder the merchants and opened the market under his patronage. This market grew up together with Istanbul and eventually turned into a real "monster" of trade. There are more than fifty streets here! They sell fabrics, jewelry, clothing and souvenirs... Many traders belong to the business generations working at Grand Bazaar for centuries. In Istanbul they attach great importance to succession...
Tarlabashi Pazar Market
It is not such a famous bazaar as the two above, but it conveys the atmosphere of Istanbul absolutely accurately. This is so-called mobile market, as there are no fixed food markets in the city on the Bosporus. So every Sunday in Beyoglu (Taksim district) a real agricultural fair is held. They sell all possible vegetables and fruits which grow in Turkey together with cheeses, honey and homemade bread.
Galata fish market
There are two famous fish markets in Istanbul. One of them is the fish market at the Galata Bridge. Even tourists who are not going to buy anything come here to see its beauty. Mountains of fresh fish are lying on pallets, flounder and shrimps are in special containers, drops of water are shining on the salad leafs and lemons... Galata fish market is one of the richest in Turkey. You won’t be cheated here!
Book market
Book market is a real paradise for those who love literature.
Market is located in the heart of Istanbul, not far from the Beyazit Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in historical Sultanahmet area. Book market was named Sahaflar. You can find about 23 book stores here. Ibrahim Muteferrika monument is in the middle of market. He started a book printing in Ottoman Empire.
Book market was named Chartoprateia in the Byzantium Empire.
The book sellers had moved out to the Grand Bazaar after formation of the Ottoman Empire but came back after earthquake in 1860. Book market had burn down in flames in 1950. This incident became irrecoverable loss for country’s culture. Thousands of the unique books and calligraphic manuscripts were destroyed in fire. After that market was nationalized and everything was made to prevent the possibility of fire.
Today it is possible to find any wanted book in market: Turkey history, Islam, masterpieces of the world classics, rare antique editions, different Koran translations. Any book on your choice!
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