Istanbul is located on the
Silk Road and commerce
has developed for thousands
of years into an art in
itself. Most merchants
in Turkey are male and
very professional, but this
is especially the case in
Istanbul. After some small
talk, they will invite you in
for tea. They rarely give you
a price for their wares but
assert the quality of their
goods first.
weekend, the square is always
full of people. You can find
all styles from any wellknown brand. Apart from
luxury products, you can buy
high-quality Turkish textile
goods at reasonable prices.
This is also a popular place
for locals to enjoy shopping
on weekends and holidays.
Besides Grand Bazaar and
Taksim Square, you should
visit the Spice Bazaar
(Egyptian Market)
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the
world’s oldest and largest
market. It is home to more
than 4000 stalls which
attract 250,000 - 400,000
guests each day. With 21
gates on 60 streets, the
Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth
and a huge attraction
for shoppers, especially
those who love collecting
decorations and handicrafts.
You can find everything
here, from luxurious brand
names and premium goods
to ordinary items like spices,
dried fruits, confectioneries,
decorative tiles, belly dance
outfits, handmade rugs,
jewelry, and you name it.
Every product is colorful and
attractive and every seller is
friendly and professional.
You’ll wish you had an entire
lifetime and stores of money
while wandering around this
maze.
Taksim - Fashion
square
Unlike the Grand Bazaar,
Taksim Square specializes
in clothes and accessories.
In late afternoon or on the
Travellive GUIDE
What to buy in
Istanbul:
ü Souvenirs, traditional
handicrafts, spices, dried
fruit, and especially ceramics,
carpets, felt coat, and leather
jacket.
ü Turkish Delight is a
popular type of candy
bought by visitors as a gift
for family and friends.
Shopping tips:
ü Don’t try to bargain
before considering product’s
quality and comparing
prices among different stalls.
When you decide to buy
something, start dealing at
30% of the price offered by
the seller.
To buy carpets and
ceramics
ü Turkish carpets and
ceramics are famous
worldwide for their quality
and sophisticated patterns.
They are popularly sold
in Istanbul and other
tourist cities. However,
their prices are different in
different shops, depending
on their size, quality, level
of sophistication, and
production time as well as
your ability to bargain.
ü A handmade carpet
woven from silk yarn can
take 2 women 2 years. A
good quality carpet can cost
from hundreds of dollars to
thousands of dollars (with
warranty and shipping).
Ceramics share the same
prices and sales regime.
TRAVELLIVE
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