Choose your pass

History of Spice Bazaar

The historical Egyptian Bazaar is one of Istanbul's main bazaars that dates back to the Ottomans. The market served as the Ottoman Empire's foreign trading base. Today, it is a vibrant and traditional bazaar known for its herbalists and numerous interesting souvenirs, as well as the most well-known covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. Are you curious to know more about the history of Spice Bazaar?

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
August 6, 2021 4 min
History of Spice Bazaar


It was called Egyptian Bazaar since it was founded in 1660 with funds from the Ottoman district of Egypt. Istanbul's spice trade is focused on the bazaar. Spice Bazaar has 85 shops offering spices, Turkish delight, and other sweets, jewelry, souvenirs, dried fruits and nuts, and so on. A trip to Istanbul will be incomplete without a visit to the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. Visit the Egyptian Bazaar, which is more colorful and lively during Ramadan than normal. An Istanbul tour is never complete without a visit to the Istanbul Spice Bazaar!


What to Buy in Spice Bazaar?


The Spice Bazaar, which is another spot to buy authentic merchandise, is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Souvenirs such as porcelain cups and glasses are available. 


Many different varieties of spices from Turkey and other Eastern countries are available here. Mystical aromas and wild aromas of different spices. The enticing aromas of cumin, mint, cinnamon and a plethora of other herbs and spices produce an incredible ambiance here. You will also include Turkish delight (Lokum) and scent, in addition to spices. When you visit Istanbul, make sure to visit this location to get a true sense of the old city's spirit!


History of Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar


Several records indicate that the bazaar's original name was "New Bazaar." It was given the name "Egyptian Bazaar" (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı) since it was founded with funds from the Ottoman district of Egypt in 1660. This is why the name is often mistranslated as "Corn Bazaar," since Egypt means "corn" in Turkish. The bazaar was (and still is) the hub of Istanbul's spice trade, although, in recent years, other types of shops have increasingly replaced spice sellers. 


The structure itself is part of the New Mosque complex. The proceeds from the leased shops within the bazaar building were used to maintain the mosque. It was designed by court architect Koca Kasim Aga, but construction began in the last months of 1660 under the supervision of another court architect, Mustafa Aga; following Istanbul's Great Fire of 1660, which began on 24 July 1660 and lasted slightly more than two days (circa 49 hours, according to Abdi Pasha's chronicles). Following the fire, a massive reconstruction and redevelopment campaign began in the area, including the resumption of the New Mosque's construction works in 1660 (the mosque's construction was eventually finished between 1660 and 1665) and the start of the Spice Bazaar's construction in the same year.


What is Istanbul Tourist Pass, and Is It Advantageous?


The Istanbul Tourist Pass is a digital pass that gives entry to more than 85 attractions in Istanbul, including the world-famous Hagia Sophia Mosque, the opulent Topkapi Palace, the legendary Basilica Cistern, and many more. The Istanbul Tourist Pass, on the other hand, is not limited to these attractions. It also provides a variety of fantastic programs, such as a lovely dinner on a Bosphorus cruise, or a getaway trip to Bursa. During the cruise, when enjoying some of the best foods in the world, you will be awestruck by the city's nightscape. All of these Istanbul attractions are included in the price of the Istanbul Tourist Pass.

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Best Winter Foods & Drinks in Istanbul 2026: A Local’s Guide
calendar_today Jan 5, 2026 5 min

Best Winter Foods & Drinks in Istanbul 2026: A Local’s Guide

Rooftop Farmers of Istanbul: Green Oases Above the Bosphorus
calendar_today Jul 3, 2025 5 min

Rooftop Farmers of Istanbul: Green Oases Above the Bosphorus

Istanbul looks different when you climb a few floors higher. Up here, tomatoes blush beside satellite dishes and basil waves at ferry funnels. Hotel stewards pick herbs minutes before dinner service, and volunteers turn compost with views of minarets. The city’s new farmers have traded wide fields for narrow skylines, proving that soil can thrive […]

August in Istanbul
calendar_today Aug 1, 2022 4 min

August in Istanbul

What to do in August Dear guest, Istanbul lover-to-be! You finally arrived in one of the most popular cities around the world, we hope you throughly enjoy it! 
 
 Whilst you just arrived, we have few recommendations and tips for making your experience even cooler. Let’s go one by one! 
 
 First off, […]

Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM): Istanbul’s Iconic Arts Venue
calendar_today Jun 19, 2024 10 min

Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM): Istanbul’s Iconic Arts Venue

Istanbul is a city that stands out with its rich history and culture. It bears the traces of many civilizations throughout its thousands of years of history. This long and diverse history has made Istanbul one of the most important cultural centers in the world. The city contains artifacts from different periods on every corner. […]

Beer Culture in Istanbul: Where to Drink Turkish Beers
calendar_today Jun 11, 2025 6 min

Beer Culture in Istanbul: Where to Drink Turkish Beers

Istanbul is a city of contrasts where Byzantine walls stand beside glass towers and where the clatter of ferries mixes with the call to prayer. Tea and rakı might grab the headlines, yet beer has quietly become one of the city’s favorite drinks. From big-name lagers to bold new microbrews, the scene in 2025 is […]

Discover Yıldız Palace Istanbul: The Star of the Bosphorus
calendar_today Jun 2, 2025 6 min

Discover Yıldız Palace Istanbul: The Star of the Bosphorus

Istanbul spreads across two continents like an open-air museum, its skyline crowned by minarets, domes, and hill-top pavilions. Glide along the Bosphorus and you’ll first spot the grand façades of Topkapı and Dolmabahçe, but follow the wooded slope behind Beşiktaş and another treasure appears: verdant Yıldız Park, hiding a palace complex once reserved for sultans […]

Istanbul Arts & Culture Festival:  Discover Istanbul’s Creative Pulse
calendar_today Apr 24, 2025 5 min

Istanbul Arts & Culture Festival: Discover Istanbul’s Creative Pulse

Istanbul is a vibrant, dynamic city that never gets boring.  In historical areas, ancient alleys nestle next to modern cafes; ships traverse the Bosphorus while seagulls sing above.  Oh, be sure to give them simit!  The markets are busy during the day, and at night, the water sparkles.Music drifts from tiny bars, and new art […]

Best Events in Istanbul in Winter 2026
calendar_today Jan 5, 2026 5 min

Best Events in Istanbul in Winter 2026

Discovering Casa Botter – A Timeless Ode to Istanbul’s Architectural Brilliance
calendar_today Jul 20, 2023 7 min

Discovering Casa Botter – A Timeless Ode to Istanbul’s Architectural Brilliance

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul's historic Asmalımescit neighborhood, a magnificent architectural treasure awaits those with an appreciation for beauty and history. Welcome to Casa Botter, an enchanting building that has gracefully transformed into an exhibition center, breathing new life into its storied past. Commissioned in the early 1900s by the esteemed Dutch tailor and […]

Istanbul Archaeological Museums: A Bridge from the Ancient World to Modern Time
calendar_today Jul 1, 2024 8 min

Istanbul Archaeological Museums: A Bridge from the Ancient World to Modern Time

One of the most impressive points of Istanbul is undoubtedly the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Thousands of artifacts from a wide geography ranging from the pre-Islamic periods of Anatolia to Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula await their visitors here. This museum is a treasure trove for archaeology enthusiasts and offers the opportunity to travel […]