The Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, Spice Market (Turkish name: Mısır Çarşısı) is one of the historical bazaars in Istanbul, which is included in the list of attractions of the city.
This is one of the largest and most famous indoor markets, after Grand Bazaar, in Istanbul.
The history of the current Egyptian bazaar is connected with a sad incident for the city. On July 24, 1660, a fire broke out in the city, which lasted a little more than two days and destroyed many buildings. The fire was called the "Great Fire".
After the fire, major reconstruction and construction work began in the city. At the same time, they began to build a New mosque again, part of the complex of which was arasta (the future Egyptian bazaar), which performed the function of providing financing for the construction of the mosque at the expense of funds from trade.
The market was inaugurated in 1663-1664 and was intended for herbalists and cotton sellers. Then the bazaar was called "New Bazaar" (Yeni Çarşı) and "Valid Bazaar" (Valide Çarşısı).
In the middle of the 18th century, the bazaar was called the "Egyptian" or "Spice Bazaar", because spices brought from Egypt were traded there. Spices were supplied from India, Syria, Egypt and Arabia, and they were turned into essences, pills, powders and ointments that gave a pleasant smell to the beard and dishes.
During its history, the Spice Bazaar has experienced fires and restorations.
Today, the Egyptian Bazaar is the second most popular tourist historical place of its kind after the Grand Bazaar - the market.
The main covered building of the bazaar has an L-shaped shape.
In the historical closed part of the bazaar with vaulted painted ceilings and characteristic decoration, mainly food products are sold, including Turkish sweets, dried fruits, nuts, olives, tea, coffee, herbs, spices, meat delicacies, etc.
There is also a restaurant, shops with jewelry, souvenirs, dishes, hookahs, soap, textiles and some other non-food products.
The Spice Bazaar does not end in the closed historical building; there is also a lively trade in foodstuffs, dishes, Turks, clothes, etc. on the streets near the building. There is a coffee shop and a doughnut shop, which is praised.
And in a small pavilion that is closer to the New Mosque, which is called the "Bird Market", there are pet shops, as well as places where plants and seeds are sold.
P.S.
The Egyptian bazaar is small, hyped and designed mainly for tourists. Sellers actively invite to their shops. It is better to pay with Turkish lira. It is necessary to bargain.
The Egyptian bazaar sells mainly food products. If you want to visit the bazaar of non-food products, which is a huge, historical and one of the most famous markets in the world, then you should go to Grand Bazaar (also mainly a tourist place, but colorful). Learn more about the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul...
Practical information
The Egyptian Bazaar is located on the European side of Istanbul, in the old part of the city, in the Fatih district, near the Galata Bridge.
The address of the Egyptian Bazaar: 92 Eminönü, Fatih, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Coordinates of the Egyptian Bazaar: 41°00'59.0"N 28°58'14.0"E (41.016389, 28.970556).
Entrance to the Egyptian Bazaar is free (free).
Up-to-date information about the Egyptian Bazaar, including existing outlets, opening hours, etc., can be clarified on the official website: misircarsisi.org .
You can also visit the Egyptian Bazaar with one of the excursions in Istanbul
All accommodation facilities in Istanbul, including in the historical center, on the European and Asian sides of the city, can be viewed and booked here
