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Of the great variety of goods offered there is something to
suit every taste and pocket. In Ottoman times this was the
centre of trading, and a vital area of town. The Sandal
Bedesten was added during Suleyman’s reign, to cope with the
rising trade in fabrics, during the 16th century.
Traditionally the more
valuable goods were in the old central area, called Ic
Bedesten, because it was more secure. As quite typical of
the area, most streets are laid out and devoted to a
particular trade, for example gold on Kuyumcular Caddesi,
leather on Bodrum Han, and shoes on Kavaflar Sokak. But the
trade has also spilled out onto the surrounding streets, and
it is very common to see Russian traders buying up huge
sacks of leather jackets or shoes outside the main entrance.
Even the streets leading to the Golden Horn are lined with
outdoor stalls, which have traditionally been controlled by
strict trading laws to reduce competition between traders.
There is wide selection of jewelery, from traditional to
modern settings, while the carpet shops display eye-catching
wares of vivid colors and intricate designs. Turkish arts
and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, handhoned
copper, brassware and trays, water ewers, onxy-ware and
meerschaum pipes; all make charming souvenirs and gifts.
Leather and suede goods are excellent and relatively
inexpensive. In the Old Bedesten, in the heart of the
bazaar, the pattern of shopping seems to have remained
unchanged for century.
Open every day except Sunday |
Licence
