500-year-old market with only men selling goods in Türkiye

The Grand Bazaar is the oldest market in Türkiye and the world, built in 1455 and completed after 6 years. The name in the local language means indoor market. In the 17th century, the market was expanded to its current state to meet shopping needs. During the Ottoman period, the market was very busy and was an important trading point in the Mediterranean region.

The market is a tourist attraction when visiting Türkiye. Visitors enter the Grand Bazaar through 21 gates, carved with sophisticated patterns. The atmosphere of shopping is bustling right from the market gate to the surrounding streets.

The market was originally built of wood in the 15th and 16th centuries. After facing several fires, the market was rebuilt with stone and brick. The market now covers an area of ​​48,000 square meters, with a dome system over 5 meters high decorated with bold traditional patterns and hanging many Turkish flags.

According to CNN, nearly 50 million people visit this famous market every year. During peak season, the market welcomes about half a million visitors per day. Because it is so crowded and large, tourists visiting the market in groups should observe each other to avoid getting lost.

Each row in the market sells a separate item, making it easy for customers to find what they need. A unique feature of the market is that the vendors are all men. This stems from the Islamic concept that trading is not a job for women.

The main items sold in the market are gold, jewelry, leather, fur, candy, lamps, clothes, tea, and spices. Each stall has an area of ​​about 30 - 50 square meters, beautifully displayed with many colors and decorative patterns according to each vendor.

Male traders in the market often stand outside the counter, constantly inviting and holding goods for tourists to try. The traders are friendly, enthusiastic, and always give enthusiastic advice when customers look at the goods.

Many stalls sell colorful Turkish hanging lamps, diverse in shape and size. Prices range from a few hundred to nearly 10 million VND each.

"Lamps not only illuminate and decorate, but are also a unique cultural feature of the country. I am very happy that many tourists visit and buy lamps as souvenirs," said Mr. Ali Kilic, owner of a lamp shop.

Carpets are also a famous specialty of Türkiye with a variety of designs sold in the market. Prices depend on size, material such as cotton, silk or whether it is handmade or industrial.

Many souvenirs such as bags, keychains, cups, plates, and statues are sold in abundance at most stalls.

The market is open from 9am to 7pm every day except Sunday and is always crowded with tourists. Since prices are not listed, customers need to bargain to get the best price.

Surrounding the market are dozens of neighborhoods that are often crowded with locals and tourists walking around. The streets in this area are quite narrow and bustling with all kinds of goods.

In addition to shopping in the market, visitors to this ancient trading area can also choose a tour to the roof of the market, from here they can see the whole view of Istanbul and the Asia-Europe border from a new perspective.