MISIR ÇARŞISI – The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul || Turkey Destination Highlight
A must-see is definitely the Egyptian Spice Bazaar in the Old City of Istanbul. Yes there is the Grand Bazaar that I also say visit to say you visit, but I personally prefer the Spice Bazaar for actual shopping purposes – it’s where the locals shop and have shopped since it began in 1664!
Of course the obvious thing you buy there is, well…spices! 🙂 The variety is vast and the way they display them is a photographers dream!
I would also buy tea there…Turkish Tea, apple tea, rosehip tea…any tea! And tea also make a great souvenir for friends and loved ones!
OF course it has souvenir items and other such Turkish items that you will want to bring home…
Above: pottery and dishes
Above: mosaic votive holders
Above: perfume oils
Above: Evil Eye charms
Above: slippers
Above: typical souvenir knicknacks
Above: Tea cups and saucers
Oh did you know that as far as buying Saffron, the Turkish Saffron is NOT the one to buy – albeit it cheaper, the Iranian one is the one that has more flavor. Remember that when you buy Saffron there 😉
One thing is certain – Turks LOVE their dessert! And between baklava, dried fruits and delight…you will have a zillion options to choose from!
The shops are awesome…and one shop in particular – GOZDE – has an upper floor that is a glass ceiling/floor that looks down into the storm below – trippy and cool! 🙂
So the next time you go to Istanbul, be sure to visit here – you will come away with many treasures…and for sure a full belly 🙂
From the photos above, what do you think YOU would want to bring home from your travels?
xxtracey
