Shopping in the Kapali Carsi Bazaar in Istanbul
Gold, Clothes, Carpets and More in a Unique Shopping Experience
Sep 8, 2008
The Kapali Carsi or Covered Bazaar in Istanbul/Turkey forms a city within a city. It features 11 entrance gates, 65 alleys and over 4000 shops and small restaurants. The market was constructed by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 1450s and although many changes and additions have been made over the centuries, the original design and atmosphere persist to this day.
Best reached by taxi, once the visitor alights from the vehicle and enters through one of the arched stone gates, another world opens up. For biggest impact, it's advisable to enter the bazaar through the main gate which is topped by a huge clock which never shows the correct time.
Behind the main gate lies the gold and jewellery section of the market and it is in exactly this place that the breath stops. Although the market is rather dimly lit, it is advisable to keep the sunglasses on, as otherwise there is a real danger to be blinded by the amazing glitter of the tons of gold jewellery on display. The shops and stalls are literally overflowing with bracelets, necklaces, coins and rings and what doesn't fit into the shop windows is kept in bulging burlap sacks by the side.
Spotlights pick out the most desirable pieces and add to the dazzle. Shop owners rush out and praise their wares to the passers by and, on entering, a seat is offered, tea is brought and the happy haggling can begin. Gold is sold by weight which causes the prices to fluctuate according to the price of gold of the day. Most is 22 carat gold and the shopkeeper will happily take out any piece and display. He will then proceed to quote an outrageaous price. The customer will plead utter proverty and the bargaining gets under way. Bartering is of course half of the fun of this unique shopping experience and the visitor is well advised to bring time and peristence as well as his credit card or ample cash.
The main alley consist s of bigger shops and some brand name jewellers, where the European way of fixed prices is slowly establishing itself. It is therefore much more fun to venture into the side alleys where the smaller, local shops and stalls are located and bargaining is very much the theme of the day.
It's not only gold which is on sale in the Kapali Carsi, but also handwoven silk carpets, leather, gold encrusted glass ware and traditional as well as modern clothes. Numerous restaurants invite to rest after a hard day of shopping, but the best experience visiting this place is that it takes no stretch of fantasy and imaginaion to be transported back into the times of the Ottoman Empire. The market is open all day, every day and till late at night.
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