Grand Bazaar
Marmara Region
The Grand Bazaar, known locally as Kapalıçarşı, is a sprawling covered market located in Istanbul's Fatih district. Covering approximately 30,700 square meters, it houses over 4,000 shops along 61 covered streets, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors daily. Established shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in the mid-15th century, the Bazaar began with the construction of the Cevâhir Bedesten, a market dedicated to textiles and jewels. Over the centuries, it expanded into a labyrinthine complex that functioned as a hub for various trades, including precious fabrics, jewelry, and handicrafts, under strict guild regulations. The market's architecture features thick walls and a series of domes, reflecting its historical roots and Ottoman design. Today, it remains a vibrant commercial and cultural center, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern tourism. Visitors can explore diverse streets historically dedicated to specific trades, such as jewelers and goldsmiths, and experience a rich sensory journey through colors, sounds, and scents.
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Astuce: The best time to visit the Grand Bazaar is during weekday mornings to avoid the heaviest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience. Purchasing tickets or entry is not required as it is a public market, but visitors should be prepared to negotiate prices as bargaining is customary. Some shops may offer discounts for bulk purchases or tourists, so it's advisable to inquire politely. Wear comfortable shoes due to the large area and potential walking distances. The Bazaar is accessible by tram via the Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop, making it easy to reach from major Istanbul landmarks.
Faits intéressants
- •The Grand Bazaar attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily, making it one of the world's most-visited tourist attractions.
- •It was listed as the number one most-visited tourist attraction globally in 2014 with over 91 million annual visitors.
- •The market is often regarded as one of the world's first shopping malls due to its vast size and covered streets.
- •The Bazaar originally included five mosques, one school, seven fountains, ten wells, one public water dispenser, one ablution fountain, 24 gates, and 17 inns.
- •Each street in the Bazaar was historically dedicated to a specific trade guild, with strict regulations to maintain quality and pricing.
- •A Byzantine relief of a Comnenian eagle is embedded above the East Gate of the original Bedesten, indicating earlier Byzantine structures on the site.
Histoire
The Grand Bazaar's core was built soon after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1455/56 under Sultan Mehmed II, starting with the Cevâhir Bedesten.
This initial structure was dedicated to luxury textiles and jewels.
Later, around 1545, the Sandal Bedesten was added, expanding the market and shifting textile trade there while reserving the original bedesten for luxury goods.
Over time, the Bazaar grew organically with shops and streets developing around these bedestens, forming a vast commercial district.
It has endured significant events such as the 1894 Istanbul earthquake, which damaged parts of the market, and has undergone restorations to preserve its historic character.
Guide du lieu
Cevâhir Bedesten (Inner Bedesten)1455-1461
The original core of the Grand Bazaar, constructed in the mid-15th century, this covered market building was dedicated to the trade of luxury textiles and jewels. It features thick walls and domes characteristic of Ottoman architecture and is located between the ancient Fora of Constantine and Theodosius.
Sandal Bedesten (New Bedesten)Circa 1545
Built later, likely in the mid-16th century under Sultan Suleiman I, this bedesten was constructed to house the textile trade, which moved from the original Bedesten. Named after a type of thread woven in Bursa, it expanded the market's capacity and diversified its commercial offerings.
Jewelry and Goldsmith Streets
These streets within the Bazaar are famous for their concentration of jewelers and goldsmiths. Historically, these trades were tightly regulated by guilds, ensuring quality and fair pricing. Today, they remain popular shopping areas for precious metals and stones.
Contact
Téléphone: (0212) 519 12 48