I
wandered through the labyrinth of streets, feasting on the colour and sheer
chaos and energy of the place. I discovered a myriad shops and cafes and ogled
at souvenirs, carpets, tiles, leather
and kilim bags, and ornate chandeliers.
4000
shops, 61 streets, 21 entrance gates even a
post office, a police station, and a mosque - this was a mind boggling
exercise!
Founded
by Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul may be one of the
first shopping malls of the world.
From Ottoman
times, historically each street, alley, of the bazaar was dedicated to a
particular craft or item, and they still bear those names.
I got used to the aggressive shopkeepers
shouting out to me at regular intervals!
- Hello,
you Indian, Bollywood? I have a cousin there!"
- "Are
you lost??"
- “You
want to buy Turkish carpet?”
- "You
want to see some lovely tiles in my shop?"
- "Would
you like a cup of coffee?"
The
architecture- tiled arches and decorative touches and the sheer colour makes a
visit to the Grand Bazaar worth it. Touristy it may be, but photo ops galore!
Some things which caught my eye at the Bazaar
Finding
Your Way around the Grand Bazaar
Its
simple- just wander around, prepared to get lost...there are exit signs
everywhere so fear not!
