One of the most fascinating places in Constantinople (now Istanbul) is the bazaars of Stamboul, the old city. These marketplaces are uniquely Turkish and full of life, color, and history. They cover entire city blocks and are divided into narrow streets or corridors, which are vaulted or roofed to protect visitors and shopkeepers from the weather.
The shops, also called booths, line both sides of the corridors. Each shop is very small—usually just a single room, about 15 by 20 feet, with no windows or doors. At night, the front is closed with heavy wooden shutters, secured with iron bars for safety The Guilds of Constantinople A Living Tradition.
Small Shops and Special Products
Inside these little shops, shelves are built along the walls to display goods. Most merchants keep only a small stock, mainly samples of what they sell. Each shop usually specializes in one type of item. For example, one merchant might sell only silk shawls, another only calico fabrics, and a third only fezzes (traditional Turkish hats).
Shops selling the same type of product are grouped together, so there are areas for textiles, jewelry, copperware, and more. The shopkeepers often sit cross-legged inside their booths, calmly waiting for customers to stop by. There are hundreds of these merchants in each bazaar, all renting their spaces from the government Private Tours Balkan.
The bazaars are managed by a superintendent, who is appointed by the Minister of the Interior. This official is responsible for keeping the area clean and orderly.
A Marketplace of Endless Variety
You can walk for hours through the bazaars without crossing the same path twice. There are miles of corridors filled with amazing treasures. Some of the items you might find include:
Diamonds and precious stones
Carvings in ebony and other rare woods
Embroidered jackets and slippers
Jeweled pipes and elegant necklaces
Persian and Indian shawls
Silks from Damascus
Table covers from Bokhara
Brass and copper items with engraved designs
Old and new porcelain, perfumes, furs, and leathers
Every corner is filled with color, scent, texture, and history.
Bargaining Is a Tradition
One important rule in the bazaars: never accept the first price. Bargaining, or haggling, is a part of the culture. The shopkeeper expects you to negotiate. In fact, he would be disappointed if you agreed to the first price, because it takes away his chance to show off his skills in negotiation.
Locals advise that you should never pay more than half of the first price. If the seller doesn’t agree to your offer, just walk away. Almost always, he will follow you, ready to accept your price to make the sale.
A Unique Shopping Experience
The bazaars of Stamboul are not just places to shop—they are part of the city’s history, culture, and daily life. Visiting them is like stepping back in time. Whether you’re buying silk, spices, or souvenirs, you’ll be part of a tradition that has continued for centuries.
