The foundations of Grand Bazaar had begun in 1461. Fatih (the Conqueror) Sultan Mehmed, who took Constantinople from the hands of Romans on May 29th, 1453, gave the construction order and the Grand Bazaar was born. Last year (2022), dramatically increased and Grand Bazaar had 39 Million 766 Thousand 801 visitors. The Question is: How To Visit the Grand Bazaar In Istanbul?
The Grand Bazaar located in Old Town (Fatih district) and the way to reach it can be done easily via Tram 1. There are two stations to reach the Grand Bazaar. It depends which direction you’re heading from in order to choose a station. If you’re coming from the direction of Blue Mosque, Eminonu, Karakoy or Kabatas (Name of the stations), you can leave it at Cemberlitas stop. Otherwise from the opposite direction, you can leave it at Beyazıd station.
You will find the answers to most common questions about Grand Bazaar. In addition to all these answers, there’re ultimate tips to make the best of your Grand Bazaar visit. If you want to keep updated and informed about Istanbul city, you may want to stick around. @atourguideinconstantinople
An Introduction Of Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar has existed since 1461. After Constantinople was conquered by Ottomans, Mehmed the 2nd saw the weakness in the city. Almost nothing much left from the glorious times of Constantinople.
City highly needed a flame so it can be born from the ashes again to turn the good old days, maybe further. İn today’s exact point, the foundation of Grand Bazaar was structured with the order of the Conqueror, Fatih Sultan Mehmet. İt must be a crucial decision since it was structured in following years.
Today with its over 3600 shops and 14 inn, Grand Bazaar is a giant once you compare it with the others on the whole earth. İt’s massive, even including 65 alleys. Each shop used to be known as cabinets because of their similar looking sizes and shelves back in the days. Everyone can sense the evolution of marketing: from cabinets to modern malls.
It was a market of rare products. The magical world of craftsmanship. Over centuries there have seen fires, earthquakes and people. Nowadays, it continues to travel and has almost 40 million visitors per year. All hats off for her majesty.
The Ultimate Strategy To Visit Grand Bazaar
Best way to visit the Grand Bazaar is getting started from Gate I (Location). It’s also the easiest way to find the bazaar. After passing through the courtyard of the NuruOsmaniye Mosque (The Light of Ottomans), it takes you directly to Gate I.
If you’ve been in a maze before, you don’t need a map, otherwise it’s highly suggested. (I have shared the map below, right under this part of the article.) You should not get into this building by yourself. You will immediately understand what I meant. You can easily get lost in there.
However, if you’re out there to discover by yourself, get ready for it. You will need the following advice to visit it.
1- Take photos of the locations when you take every turn. (Video can be more useful)
2- Print the map that I shared. (If you have an Ipad no needed)
3- Plan your strategy and take enough cash in Turkish Lira with you. (Something unexpected happened and you needed money, there’re banks, ATMs etc. You can pay in the shops via Credit Cards)
4- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
5- I have never witnessed any case but be careful with cameras, phones and wallets. (It’s crowded on average days so you never know. Do not leave your bags for even a second in anywhere)
6- If you’ve never been to the Grand Bazaar before, no matter how far it is, always leave the building via the same way you came earlier.
7- If you intend to buy jewellery, do not forget to get a certificate and receipt.
8- This is crucial: do not turn the tea or whatever given at the shops. (Kindly thank to them If you don’t want to with some excuse ‘use something related with your health etc’)
9- Do not miss your breaks. Hours of walking can be tiring. Settle down at the shops If it’s possible.
10- Have fun.
The Advance Grand Bazaar Checklist
As a Professional tour guide, I have always gone to the Grand Bazaar. I would like to share some of them but for actual (organic) experience, I have to be there.
There are some really important factors that make the Grand bazaar: THE GRAND BAZAAR. Here’ the Advance Grand Bazaar Checklist of @atourguideinconstantinople
- Rugs and Carpets. Grand Bazaar over centuries has known its names and talents. Mr Evin is well known in his own business. His wall inside the shop has famous faces as well as letters from celebrities. As a matter of fact there’s probably one thing that makes his work so rare: The love of Carpet and Rugs. First thing that you will be noticing is his passion for these artworks. Mr. Hakan spends time and effort on carpets and rugs that have expired, and then restores them to their new lives. In addition to its new carpets and rugs, he has relevance for the old is dazzling. He is someone who knows the value of labor and even supports female employees in business life.
- Foulards and scarves. Besides being an ingredient to some fabric, silk can also and did save lives. Did you know that silk is widely used for bulletproof vests? Today it is daily saving our lives for decoration or fashionable purposes. Silk fabrics harmonize with body temperature. The soft and thin texture makes it indispensable for a long time. With its numerous types of patterns, usually are being used with blue, green and shades of red.
- Tiles and Ceramics. For the next stop, the shop has been known with this art form for almost in a century now. Tiles and Ceramics are produced from the hands of over hundreds of artists since the last 87 years in this location. The shop is the oldest in the market for their own kind. Especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, the vases and objects brought to Europe by famous travelers were as influential as the Chinese influence in the European world, and even became one of the images of orientalist paintings.
- Textile. Mr. Süleyman Ertaş is the 5th generation owner of the family business. Family on the market for almost 250 years. The shop you are about to visit dates back to 1861. It is the oldest shop in the Grand Bazaar that belongs to the same family. The shop, where traditional Anatolian fabric weaving and interpretations are available, has an incomparable importance in the bazaar.
Do You Need Tour Guide?
As a tour guide, sharing fascinating anecdotes and insider tips, taking my guests on a journey beyond the surface-level attractions and most importantly while having fun, I keep them accompanied along the way. With my guidance, you can discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that you may have otherwise missed.
I have always cared for the needs of my guests. Therefore it’s my duty to defend your interests. Being actively on the field for many years brought me above a certain level of knowledge. I have already faced and dealt with the issues you can possibly come across with. I also did absorb the history of the building to create and prove my difference. The travellers who trusted me, received my full support and hospitality. In addition to setting their goals in the city where I was born, I did also shed light to show the ways of managing their time in the most efficient ways. Use my experience in order to feel confident as if it’s your own city!
All you have to do is texting these words;
“I need a tour guide”
Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide