Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar, located in the Eminönü district, is frequented by both locals and tourists. The Spice Bazaar, which fills the eyes with its colorful chandeliers, also delights its visitors with various kinds of spice smells. The Spice Bazaar has survived for hundreds of years and has become one of the trade centers. The history of the construction of the Spice Bazaar marks the era of the Ottoman Empire. The construction of the bazaar was carried out by Sultan III. It was started by the order of Safiye Sultan, the wife of Murat. However, due to the death of the sultan, the construction was interrupted. IV. Hatice Turhan Sultan, Mehmet's mother, wanted to build a mosque and also requested that there be a bazaar in the mosque complex. In addition, the Spice Bazaar and the New Mosque were built by the architect Mustafa Aga, and the construction of the bazaar was also completed. Both structures have preserved their existence to the present day.

The Spice Bazaar, which was called the New Bazaar or Valide Bazaar in the 17. century, received its present name in the 18th century because this bazaar mainly contained products from Egypt. It was named after the middle of the 17. century. This bazaar was built in the “L” shape in accordance with Ottoman architecture. This bazaar, which has undergone two major fires, has managed to preserve its existence and splendor to this day through repair work. It was restored between 1940 and 1943 and took its present form.

What Can You Find in the Spice Bazaar?

In this ancient bazaar, you can find spicers, jewelers, nut makers, shops selling vegetable oil, chandeliers, souvenir shops. You can explore other shops accompanied by the smells of spices.

In this bazaar, where you can also find authentic products, you can also find tiles, chandeliers made of colored glass, ceramics, hookahs, cups, fancy pillows, saddlebags, carpets with ethnic patterns, folkloric clothes, silver jewelry, and fancy slippers. Walking through the bazaar, you will be fascinated by both colors and smells.

Natural plants that you can easily find in spicers are also located in this bazaar: licorice root, chamomile, sage, ginger, turmeric, other dried herbs and plants, various herbal teas, as well as rare essential oils. These fascinating smells, accompanied by the smells of freshly ground coffee, really envelop a person.

Walking through this bazaar, which is one of the unique parts of the cultural mosaic, you will feel both the history and the diversity right up to your buttonholes. this bazaar, built-in 1660, is waiting for you to discover it with all its might and grandeur. You should experience that atmosphere and add color to your trip.