Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is The World's Largest and Oldest Covered Market
Did you know?
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, known in Turkish as “Kapalıçarşı” (Covered Market), is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets.
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| Photo from Hurriyet Daily News |
Established in 1455, it features 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
In 2014, it was listed as the world’s most-visited tourist attraction, with 91,250,000 annual visitors.
Located in Istanbul’s Fatih district, the Grand Bazaar stretches between the Beyazit and Nuruosmaniye mosques.
It is easily accessible from Sultanahmet and Sirkeci via trams, with the Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop being the closest.
Today, the Grand Bazaar remains a thriving complex, employing around 26,000 people.
Despite competition from modern shopping malls, its historical significance and unique atmosphere continue to draw both locals and tourists.
A restoration project initiated in 2012 aimed to renew its infrastructure, including heating and lighting systems, and to renovate the hans (inns) within the market.
The Grand Bazaar operates daily, except Sundays and bank holidays, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The Grand Bazaar is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls in the world, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and commerce.
