The Grand Bazaar is called in Turkish Kapalicarsi, which means covered bazaar. It is located in the area between the Nuruosmaniye and Beyazit Mosques and the Mahmutpasa Market. It is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It has more than 58 streets and 4000 stores. It is well known for its spices, jewelry, leather, meerschaum, copper and brass pipes, tiles and ceramics, carpet shops and all kinds of things.
The Grand Bazaar has 4 main gates located at the ends of its 2 main streets which intersect near the southwest corner of the bazaar. Several shops sheltered by roofs and domes. Although it is not very regular in shape, it has an area of about 31,000 square meters. The Grand Bazaar has hundreds of domes and leaded windows.
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is a small city in itself, with miles of hallways, restaurants, mosques, banks, police stations, and plenty of shops. Fires and earthquakes have affected the building on several occasions. The most recent was the Great Fire of 1954. After each event it was repaired, but the original records were lost forever. It is one of the oldest markets in the world and one of the most interesting and authentic places in Istanbul.
