It is impossible, visiting Rome, not to go to the Colosseum, traveling in Berlin, not to go to any museum, and it is impossible, having found yourself in Istanbul, to miss a walk through the real eastern bazaar .Historically, Istanbul is considered to be one of the world trade centers .So it was in antiquity, so it was in the Middle Ages, so it is now .In many respects this was due to the unique geographical location of the city - it was and remains the connecting link between the two continents, a lot of traders from different countries have flocked and continue to flock here .

One of the most famous markets in Istanbul, second only to the famous Grand Bazaar, is called Turkish Misir Carsisi, and tourists are known as the Spice Market, or the Egyptian Bazaar. The Egyptian Bazaar is located in the historical center - in the Eminönü quarter behind the Yeni Mosque, at the entrance to the Golden Horn.

Nowadays, 80 shops are located in the Spice Market. They say that here there is something more in Istanbul nowhere to find. The assortment of spices, cosmetics, perfumes, medicines and herbs, groceries, dried fruits is amazing.

Some remedies for herbs and herbs can be found only here, as well as centuries ago, when the first benches with medicinal herbs appeared here. In those days, pharmacists were simultaneously perfumers, so it is not surprising that the Egyptian bazaar is still the center of perfumery and cosmetics.

Besides this, you can buy the best henna in the world, a huge amount of various oils, natural sponges, rose water and, of course, a wonderful soap, for example from olive oil.

Especially love the Spice Market gourmets. To all comers there are a lot of jams - from cherries, strawberries, figs, apricots and quince - dozens of varieties of honey, basturma (dried and smoked meat), canned meat and sausages, all kinds of cheeses, Turkish delicacies and famous Turkish sweets. one of Turkey's sights.

Are you already drooling? But this is not all the culinary treasures of the Egyptian market. On the top floor of the portal of the south gate is the famous Pandeli restaurant, which opened in 1901. And remember: this restaurant is perhaps the only place in the Spice Market in which to bargain is not accepted. In all shops and shops, when you know the price, divide it for at least two and bargain with inspiration. Enjoy not only from the purchase, but from the process itself. This is called a real oriental bazaar.

Address: Marpuccular Caddesi, Istanbul

The variety of spices, the spice market in Istanbul

Spice market in Istanbul