SHOPPING

In Istanbul , shops are generally grouped into areas specialised in one type of product. The places called Çarşı in Turkish ( meaning both shopping centre and bazaar ) are probably the cheapest places to buy Turkish crafts . Shops are generally open 08.30 –19:00. Smaller shops opens earlier and closes later.

 (most of the shops are  closed  on Sundays and holidays )

01 )      THE GRAND BAZAAR            ( KAPALIÇARŞI )

Of course , every tourist makes the trip through the Kapalıçarşı , the grand covered bazaar of Istanbul legend , there are  more than four thousand shops in this labyrinth of street; each trade has its own quarter or street , rather like the departments of a modern department store.

02 )      SPICE BAZAAR ( MISIR ÇARŞISI )

Behind Yeni Mosque in Eminönü is another bazaar of a different sort – Mısır Çarşısı( Egyptian Bazaar) or the spice market . Here the atmosphere is filled with the heady aroma of cinnamon , saffron and every imaginable herb and spices.

03 )            SECOND HAND BOOK SHOPS ( SAHAFLAR ÇARŞISI )

Worths a visit , if one is interested in old  or second hand books in several languages .

04 )      FLEA MARKETS

There are many second hand markets in Istanbul . These flea markets are in Ortakoy , Galatasaray ,  Topkapı , Aksaray and Uskudar ;some are opened on Sundays only. 

05 )            ORTAKÖY HANDCRAFT MARKETS

( Every Sunday in summer ) Just behind the pier and near the smoll Ortaköy Mosque , around the tea gardens . A lovely and an interesting place, busier on weekends.