Istanbul! Colorful, historic, chaotic, mesmerizing city torn between Asia & Europe…The strategic position gave its strength as a hub of trade in the past…Many who transit through Istanbul are confused…what to do in Istanbul?
If you have a short transit, just do Blue Mosque, Aya Sofiya, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace & of course a visit to the Spice Bazaar!
An unexpected rain during winter forced me into this amazing bazaar…and I was lost wandering inside its long yet crowded corridors. Built in 1664 to help pay for the construction of the Yeni Camii, or the New Mosque, the Egyptian Spice Bazaar has for centuries been a marketplace for food products. It’s name comes from the spices that came through Egypt via the renowned Silk Road out of central & southern Asia. Nowadays, vendors still sell such items here – fresh spices, fruits, nuts, meats, & candy, as well as other products like jewelry, carpets, & souvenirs for visitors. Exotic spices, caviar from the red sea…rose water & perfume concentrates…you name the product, they have it! As in the Grand Bazaar, you can put your bargaining skills to the test here. Also akin to the Grand Bazaar are many of the shop owners, who can get a little aggressive in trying to show you what they are selling (and hoping you will buy something).
But this is the bazaar experience! And if the Spice Bazaar itself doesn’t fill your needs, as you walk outside, there is an even bigger outdoor market area, with loads of vendors selling many of the same products! Sights, sounds and aroma of spice bazaar is memorable, so is the sweet memory of the countless samples of Turkish delight and baklava gobbled en route!
I visited Istanbul in October & December of 2005. Photos were shot with Sony F828.
kirankatte 