TURKEY ISTANBUL -SHOPPING HEAVEN

SHOPPING

One of the most important Ottoman Institutions that ensured the longevity of the state was the Vakif (religious foundations) systems. According to this system, when a mosque was commissioned a set of buildings was also planned to generate income, to meet the future expenses of employees, repairs and maintenance costs . One obvious choice was market buildings.So the story of Kapali Carsi (Covered Bazaar) started in that manner and they became the most visited places of Istanbul.KAPALII CARSI reached its present form over a period of 250 years and today everything from antiques to jewellery, from gold to cheap souvenir is sold in over 3000 shops. 

The original intention of Sultan Memet the conqueror was that this should generate income for the upkeep of Ayasofya. The Misir Carsissi had a similar item aim; it was intended to provide for Yeni Cami ( New Mosque) . Today both KAPALI CARSI and Misir Carsisi are places where plenty of alternatives for purchasing souvenirs and mementos to remind Istanbul could be found. Both used to be primary trading places during the Ottoman Period and today some traditional wares are still sold. Other products, however, are more modern. In this way these venues of Istanbul bring old and new, traditional and modern together. 

Along the street between Kapali Cari and Nur-u Osmaniye Mosque are shops selling authentic Eastern wares such as carperts. The Arasta Carsisi ( Arasta Bazaar) , situated behind the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, is yet another place where authentic goods and handicraft souvenirs can be found. Sultahnahmet and its environs are other such areas. Old book enthusiasts should visit the Sahaflar Carsisis (bookseller’s market) , which is situated between Beyazit Mosque and Kapali Carsi.

Among Istanbul’s shopping facilities you can find places selling simple jewellery and authentic handicraft as well as shops selling famous world brands. The first place that comes to mind is ISTIKLAL STREET. In the larger shops you could find the most expensive world brands as well as smaller shops in the passages selling diverse goods. Musical instruments, simple jewellery , readymade clothing , old books and many individual shops line the street.. 

The RIMEL STREET in Harbiye district is a famous for international brands of ready-made clothing and accessories.  

In Kadikoy, Bagdat Street is also lined with shops. Apart from the more luxurious shops there are others in different parts of Kadikoy providing reasonable quality and prices. Antique dealers can be found along the Tellalzad Street in the market. On the Kadikoy Sanatcilar Sokagi( the Artist Road) along the road from Kadikoy to Bahariye you can buy artefacts produced in the workshops of ceramic artists, painters and sculptors.

If you do not want to spend too much time shopping by wandering in the streets, there are many shoppings centres in Istanbul that gather many brands and types of goods under one roof.