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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.

一日精華遊

Istanbul FAST Pass®

參觀2個地標和3個道地體驗,包含Hagia Sophia或Topkapi Palace以及Blue Mosque及博斯普魯斯海峽遊船。

1 Pass選項 expand_more
2 旅客 expand_more
成人 €49 /人
1
兒童 (5-12) €44 /人
0
3 確認 expand_more
含Hagia Sophia (成人) x 1 €49.00
eco 即時通行費 €10.00
訂單合計 €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
含Hagia Sophia · 1 成人
€59.00

伊斯坦堡必遊

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

參觀3個地標和100+熱門景點,包含Hagia Sophia、Topkapi Palace、Blue Mosque。

1 Pass時長 expand_more
2 旅客 expand_more
成人 €149 /人
1
兒童 (5-12) €139 /人
0
3 確認 expand_more
3天 (成人) x 1 €149.00
eco 即時通行費 €10.00
訂單合計 €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3天 · 1 成人
€159.00

終極伊斯坦堡體驗

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

參觀全部7個地標、120+熱門景點和頂級體驗,包含豪華博斯普魯斯海峽日落遊、早餐與晚餐遊船以及頂級土耳其浴。

1 Pass時長 expand_more
2 旅客 expand_more
成人 €259 /人
1
兒童 (5-12) €249 /人
0
3 確認 expand_more
5天 (成人) x 1 €259.00
eco 即時通行費 €10.00
訂單合計 €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5天 · 1 成人
€269.00

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