During the Byzantine period, there was a previous bazaar in stead of Spice Bazaar, in which merchants from Genoese and venice sold their goods. It was the trading place of the spices brought from Egypt, therefore it is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. It is opposite the Galata Bridge in the Eminonu quay. It was constructed which the objective of financing the costs of New Mosque Complex. It was completed in 1660, in the secound half of 17th century. It includes approximately 80 shops. It has a reserve "L" shape and it is covered with leaded domes. It has 6 gates to different directions.
Many types of spices and healing herbs can be found in the Spice Bazaar These can be bought in ready made packs or by weigh out of big sacks. Besides the spices, cheese, dried meat, jam, many types of nuts, Turkish Delight, natural sponge for bathing, oriental parfumes are all among specilties of the Spice Bazaar. As in the Covered Bazaar, one should have a sense of quality for shopping and bargain with the shop keepers.
In the market the atmosphere is more oriental that that of the Covered Bazaar. But surroundings of the market is definitely more interesting. There is a Flower and Pet Market in the middle of the outdoor bazaar, which is worth seeing. Similarly interesting are the products sold in the shops and exhibitions along the exterior walls of the bazaar. For example, meat products, breakfast food, fish, fruits and vegetablesare exhibited in an appetizing way at the vertical part of the bazaar.
Behind the bazaar is Tahtakale, a different part of the world with its peddlers and exhibitions.
(Open daily except Sundays)
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