Friday, July 23, 2010

A Visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

From my previous post, you might remember we went from the Asian part of Istanbul to the European.
Bazaar entry
We were heading for The Grand Bazaar which was constructed between 1455 and 1461.
One of the Worlds biggest indoor markets.

Zeynep as our wondeful hostess and driver and guide and grandma to Metin Leander, my daughter Ingelin, Anna and me.
Istanbul is a metropolis -  a megacity, spreading over two continents – Asia and Europe.
Parking at Kabotas
Good then to go with Zeynep, who knows where to park the Car.
Istanbul Tram at Kabotas 
And where to take the modern Tram (Street Car) to the Grand Bazaar.

Nine stops crossing the Golden Horn.
And also learn how to pay for the ride.
All about Trams in Istanbul here

Bazar entre 
We went from Kabataş to Kapalı Çarşı - The Grand Bazaar.  Anna and Zeynep are close to enter
.Bazar - it is large
Grand Bazaar in Beyazit, on the European side of Istanbul, is one of the City's greatest tourism attractions, and you do not need to buy anything. You only look, if you prefere;)
Bazar - Metin Leander and Grandma
It's like walking around in a modern Shopping Mall, but the Shops are smaller and private owned. Above you see Grandma with Grandson. He was perhaps the greatest attraction that Day;)
Bazar interior
You can find allmost everything here (no fashion of any kind, that will be in an other post):
Bazar - Carpets 
New and antique jewellery, inlaid woodwork furniture, textiles and embroidery, metalware, lamps, carpets and more can all be found beneath the covered alleyways.
Bazar - Ingelin and Anna had to bargain
Bazar - shopping silver
Try and bargain. Do not look to eager. Like Anna and Ingelin;)
Bazar Boybeyi 
It's very well organized in the sense that all shops selling the same type of goods are located in the same alley. In the middle of the Bazaar you find the above “advertizing” for Boybeyi Jewellery
.Bazar - look at the ceilings
The Grand Bazaar is huge and crowed. No fixed prices, so you have to bargain. The quality of the goods varies, so you should know how to distinct the genuine from the fake.
Bazar - Papa and Grandson having a Rest ML-IMG_2985
We needed a rest as well, all of us. It was many new and strange impressions. Not at least for Metin Leander, 8 months and 10 Days. And more crowed than we Vikings are used to… from 250,000 to 400,000 visitors a day.
Bazars - Lamps 
No visit to an oriental bazaar without seeing  a Lamp;)
What will be your 3 wishes?

About The Grand Bazaar

Can you buy Taxfree?
Some Shops offer Taxfree: 18% off. Present the merchandise and receipt to The Customs Tax-Free office at the airport in Istanbul, located in the International Departure Terminal, is opened 24 hours a day. Do not sign any papers you can not understand when you buy, others than related directly to your Credit Card receipt.


Summary
For me it was a great tourist attraction well worth visiting. It gives an insight in historical oriental markets and sales and buying behaviours.  Not very unlike modern shoppings malls exept for the lack of fixed prices, sales, A/C, Parking lots and Fast Food.
If you are a skilled shopper, I’m sure you will find treasures here.


















Grandson Metin Leander did a great performance. He charmed everybody.

More to come....

PS. Photos from Oslo you have never thought about

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8 Comments:

Blogger OldLady Of The Hills said...

What a FANTASTIC Place....But, no AC??? That would end it for me...lol!
I love when you said how Vikings are not used to that many people....lol...No One Is!
That is a lot of people Tor.....I think your Grandson was and IS the "treasure" of the day.

July 24, 2010 2:14 am  
Anonymous claudie said...

Yes a fantastic place!!! This grand bazaar is something to see! Did Anna find some treasures finaly?
I remember we had the same bracelet!!!
So much good time you had all together, family!!!
Can't wait to arrive in Oslo and hear you telling your beautiful trip in Istanbul!

July 24, 2010 12:04 pm  
Blogger Gattina said...

I loved the grand Bazar ! I almost got lost in there, because we had two hours off our group !
I also have pictures on my travel blog. I really liked Istambul. Your little grandson is so cute ! 8 months already time flies by it's terrible !

July 24, 2010 5:12 pm  
Anonymous Lifecruiser Travel Blog said...

Looks like an awesome bazaar! I'd go crazy in there.... *giggles*

No surprise that Metin Leander did steal every ones heart, he is soooo sweet!

No fast food does not scare me off but the fact it has no AC, This summer I've learned what that means. Phew! Our summer home is simply too hot, no proper sleep until yesterday night when the rain arrived!

July 24, 2010 5:20 pm  
Blogger lime said...

i'd really like to see that in person. i think it must be a fascinating place. my favorite shot is the one of anna and ingelin in the fabric shop. the framing of the shot is great!

July 24, 2010 10:52 pm  
Blogger Ginnie Hart said...

I think you'd probably enjoy any place in the world, Tor, and get along just fine!

July 26, 2010 12:44 pm  
Blogger Shammickite said...

Wonderful place to visit, Tor. I have always wanted to go there, but haven't got there yet!

July 28, 2010 3:17 am  
Blogger Ola said...

I have been there as a child, I remember those gold shops, it was very impressive for me at this time

July 29, 2010 8:56 am  

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