THE HISTORICAL INNS AND BAZAARS OF ISTANBUL

 

One of the most important points of Istanbul, which were trade centers in the past, were bazaars and inns. The bazaar and inn culture, which still continues to live today, retains its importance both as a tourist attraction and as a place where the heart of trading beats. They are one of the places where you can catch traces of the past reaching today. Each of them always swarms with sellers and buyers, just like the day it was first used.  Let us take you here to explore with us some of these structures that have lasted from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire, from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic and up to the present day and that resist the change of time.

 

Eminönü Inns region is located within the borders of Fatih Municipality and currently covers the districts of Unkapanı, Beyazıt and Eminönü.  It is called the Historical Peninsula due to the fact that there are many registered buildings in the region, which is within the 1st Degree Protection Zone. When we say the historical inns in Eminönü, the first ones that come to mind are undoubtedly the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar. However, the historical inns in Istanbul are not limited to these.

 

The Grand Bazaar, which spans an area of approximately 31 thousand square meters, holds the distinction of being the largest historical bazaar in the world. There are hundreds of domes decked with lead and windows on the bazaar between Nuruosmaniye and Beyazit Mosque and Mahmutpasha Bazaar.

  

The Spice Bazaar, the symbol of the Eminönü Inns Region, is known as the Istanbul stop of the Historical Spice Road. The bazaar, which has 6 doors and 86 shops, was built by Hatice Turhan Sultan, Mehmet the 4th’s mother, as a foundation to be the source of income to the New Mosque. The historical bazaar, which has been famous for its herbalists since long before, still sells spices, flower seeds, rare plants and natural medicines. Apart from the herbal products, there are also nuts, delicatessen products and different foodstuffs.

  

The Grand Valide Inn is the largest commercial inn in Istanbul. Although the architect of  is unknown, Evliya Celebi wrote that Kösem Sultan, mother of Murat the 4th, had this place built on the side of Mehmet Pasha Palace. There are shops, workshops and warehouses of textile and metal craftsmen in this large inn in Eminönü.

 

The Grand New Inn was built by Mustafa the 3rd in Fatih and attracts a lot of attention among commercial inns with its large, open courtyards, decked galleries and successful workmanship. It is known that in the past there were money changers' shops, weavers and silversmiths here. Nowadays, it is famous for its trade and silver manufacturing.

 

Kuru Kahveci Inn is located between Tahmis Street and Çiçek Bazar Street, just ahead of the Mısır Bazaar. You know that you are approaching the inn from the coffee smells surrounding it. The inscription ‘Kourou Kahvedji Han’ and the date 1912 stand out on the marble above the inn door.

 

Another important bazaar is the Sahaflar Carsisi. The bazaar is also the oldest book bazaar in Istanbul, which has managed to survive from the Ottoman period to the present day. Sahaflar Bazaar, where you can also find old and antique books, is located between the Fesçiler Gate of the Grand Bazaar and the Beyazit Mosque. A bust greets you in the middle of the bazaar. This bust belongs to Ibrahim Müteferrika, the first person to bring the printing press to these lands.