The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a historic market located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 17th century and is one of the most visited attractions in the city. The bazaar is a vibrant and colorful marketplace that is famous for its spices, herbs, teas, sweets, and other food products.
History
The Spice Bazaar was built in 1660 by the Ottoman Empire’s chief architect, Kazim Aga. The bazaar was originally called the Egyptian Bazaar because it was funded by taxes collected from Egypt. The taxes were used to finance the construction of the bazaar, and the goods that were sold in the bazaar were brought from Egypt.
Over the years, the Spice Bazaar has undergone several renovations and restorations. In 1940, a fire broke out in the bazaar, causing significant damage. It was later restored by the Turkish government, and today it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Istanbul.
Architecture
The Spice Bazaar is a large L-shaped building that is made of stone and brick. The bazaar is divided into two main sections, each with its own entrance. The first section is dedicated to spices, herbs, teas, and other food products. The second section is home to jewelry, textiles, and other handicrafts.
The interior of the bazaar is decorated with colorful mosaics, stained glass windows, and intricate tile work. The ceiling of the bazaar is made of vaults, which add to the bazaar’s unique architectural style. The Spice Bazaar is a true masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a perfect example of Istanbul’s cultural heritage.
Shopping
The Spice Bazaar is one of the best places to shop for spices, herbs, and teas in Istanbul. The bazaar is home to over 80 shops that sell a wide variety of products, including traditional Turkish sweets, nuts, dried fruits, and natural remedies.
One of the most popular products sold in the bazaar is Turkish delight, a type of candy made with starch and sugar. The bazaar is home to some of the best Turkish delight shops in Istanbul, and visitors can sample different flavors before making a purchase.
In addition to spices and sweets, the bazaar is also a great place to shop for Turkish ceramics, lamps, and jewelry. The shops in the bazaar offer a wide range of handmade products that are perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
Food
The Spice Bazaar is not only a great place to shop for food products, but it’s also a great place to eat. The bazaar is home to several food stalls that serve traditional Turkish street food, including doner kebab, simit (a type of Turkish bread), and Turkish tea.
One of the most popular food stalls in the bazaar is Haci Bekir, a confectionery that has been serving traditional Turkish sweets since 1777. The confectionery is famous for its Turkish delight, which is made with natural ingredients and has a unique texture.
Visitors can also find several restaurants and cafes around the bazaar that serve traditional Turkish cuisine. The restaurants offer a variety of dishes, including meze (small dishes), grilled meats, and seafood.
Conclusion
The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is one of the most visited attractions in Istanbul. The bazaar is a vibrant and colorful marketplace that is famous for its spices, herbs, teas, sweets, and other food products. The interior of the bazaar is decorated with colorful mosaics, stained glass windows, and intricate tile work. The bazaar is a true masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a perfect example of Istanbul’s cultural heritage.
Big Bazaar is a huge bazaar, but Sundar Bazaar offers more attractions. It is more dedicated to spices and tea. You see a lot more locals buying, and the price is much more fixed (not subject to negotiation). A busy and diverse street market is located nearby that you must visit.