Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar)

KAPALI CARSI (GRAND BAZAAR)

During the Byzantine period the area of the Grand Covered Bazaar was a trade center.  After the Turks came to Istanbul two bedestens which formed the essence of today’s Grand Bazaar were built between 1455 – 1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in an attempt to enrich the economic life in the city.

The intriguingly exotic Covered Bazaar has endured innumerable fires and earthquakes, but has lost none of its significance and allure as the vital source of trade for both locals and visitors. With sixty-six streets and alleys, over four thousand shops, numerous store-houses, moneychangers and banks, a mosque, post office, police station, private security guards and its own health center, Istanbul’s Kapali Carsi is said to be the largest covered bazaar in the world.