The Beautiful Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey has over 3,000 shops and is over 500 years old.

There have been fires in this shopping district in 1546, 1618, 1652, 1660, 1701, 1750 and then again in 1954 with repairs  being made after each disaster. Repairs were also made following the great damage from earthquakes in 1766 and 1894.

I could not resist buying some jewelry and ceramics. The haggling, which is traditional, was so exhausting. After 2 hours in the market place you are ready to escape.

A very old pen and ink drawing of the the alleys and shops.

This massive historical shopping area offers a variety of goods.  It was first constructed between 1455 and 1461.

The Grand Bazaar is considered to be the oldest and largest market in the world.

A winding maze of shops.

The colors of the glass lighting is unbelievable.

There is actually a gold district where you can purchase a small bar of gold.

Handmade rugs in every color and size are available to residents and tourist to purchase. Many rugs can be folded and carried with you, larger rugs will be shipped to your home.

Vibrant clothes and scarfs are woven and sewn.

Handmade brightly painted ceramic plates and serving dishes.Each ceramic piece is initialed or signed by the artist.

Absolutely gorgeous lighting in exquisite colors and styles!

250,000 to half a million residents and visitors come to the Grand Bazaar each day.

Magnificent arched hallways.

Unbelievable deals on jewelry. Rubies, amber and gold galore.

Chef slicing his lamb "kebabs" 

This is where I found my magic lantern. There are so many pieces of copper ware.

Vendors in the back alleys bringing out their rugs.

One of the shop owners who was very kind to us.

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St. Sophia  Istanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, Turkey  
An unforgettable place in history...my "Belles Choses"  my beautiful thing