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

Istanbul in August 2025: What to Do, What to See, What to Pack and More
calendar_today Aug 1, 2023 15 min

Istanbul in August 2025: What to Do, What to See, What to Pack and More

Istanbul, the enchanting city straddling Europe and Asia, comes alive in August with vibrant festivals, sunny beaches, and a plethora of cultural experiences. As the peak of summer, August brings scorching temperatures and a festive atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists alike. In this guide, we'll explore the highlights of Istanbul in August 2025, […]

First Time in Istanbul: A 3-Day Istanbul Tourist Pass® Usage Guide
calendar_today Apr 2, 2026 12 min

First Time in Istanbul: A 3-Day Istanbul Tourist Pass® Usage Guide

Kinaliada of the Princes’ Islands: Reasons to Spend a Day
calendar_today Jun 24, 2024 14 min

Kinaliada of the Princes’ Islands: Reasons to Spend a Day

Displaying dazzling beauty in the calm waters of Istanbul, the Princes' Islands are an essential destination for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city's crowds. In order of increasing size, the four main islands, each extensively settled (the Turkish word "Ada" means island), are Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada (Greek, Halki), and Buyukada (Greek, Prinkipos). 
 […]

Discover the Best of Istanbul’s Asian Side in 1 Day
calendar_today Dec 19, 2024 14 min

Discover the Best of Istanbul’s Asian Side in 1 Day

Istanbul is a unique city not just because of its cultural and historical background but also because it is the only city that connects two continents in the world. Being the connection point of Asia and Europe, the city is a bridge that connects two different worlds. Tourists coming from all over the world generally […]

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Istanbul?
calendar_today Jan 5, 2024 8 min

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Istanbul?

Istanbul, a city where the past seamlessly blends with the present, offers a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Istanbul has something to offer every type of traveler. In this article, we'll take you through a two-day itinerary to make the most of your weekend in […]

November in Istanbul
calendar_today Oct 31, 2023 16 min

November in Istanbul

Love is in the air in Istanbul in November! As the city's autumnal charm gives way to the crisp embrace of the upcoming winter, Istanbul takes on a romantic and alluring ambiance that's hard to resist. The city's charming streets, adorned with the golden hues of falling leaves, provide the perfect setting for couples seeking […]

A Day Dedicated to Youth: What to Do in Istanbul on May 19th
calendar_today May 10, 2024 9 min

A Day Dedicated to Youth: What to Do in Istanbul on May 19th

Turkey is a land of breathtaking beauty, where every corner tells a story of its rich history and diverse culture. Istanbul, in particular, stands out as a city of surprises, where ancient mosques stand alongside bustling bazaars and modern skyscrapers. Its unique blend of East and West creates an enchanting atmosphere that captivates visitors from […]

İstanbul Highlights for First-Time Visitors: 2026 Local Guide
calendar_today Apr 16, 2026 4 min

İstanbul Highlights for First-Time Visitors: 2026 Local Guide

Skip the Ticket Lines
calendar_today Feb 16, 2025 2 min

Skip the Ticket Lines

Istanbul Tourist Pass® will let you welcome easy exploring instead of lengthy lines. With just a QR scan, our innovative Show&Go technology lets you rapidly visit famous sites, therefore removing waiting periods and improving your sightseeing experience. Furthermore, the interesting audio guides provided allow you to explore Istanbul's rich history and cultural beauties at your […]

Eminonu & Sirkeci: Your Ultimate Guide
calendar_today Dec 20, 2023 13 min

Eminonu & Sirkeci: Your Ultimate Guide

Istanbul is full of colors, spices, and music. One of the most colorful places in this amazing city is the Eminonu Neighbourhood. In this article, we will delve into the Eminonu and Sirkeci together and discover both well-known and hidden gems of these places. But before we dig into Eminonu and its richness, let’s have […]