The Istanbul Spice Bazaar is an essential point of any visit to Istanbul. Also called “Egyptian Bazaar” because it was built with taxes collected in Egypt, the first traders to occupy the place from the 17th century were the Venetians, followed by the Armenians and Greeks. For 350 years, there are still vendors of Greek and Armenian origin. Istanbul was indeed the terminal point of the Silk Road in Asia.
Time flies at the Istanbul Spice Market: there is absolutely everything there, for all tastes and needs. Everything you can imagine exists in Istanbul: leeches for migraines, horsehair gloves, smoked ham with garlic, etc. As the name suggests, you can buy all kinds of different spices at Istanbul Spice Market: pine resin, peach stone powder, sarsaparilla root, etc. In addition to that, you can taste the famous Turkish delight and Turkish coffee.
Nowadays, it is not possible to buy animals at the Spice Market because animal rights associations have taken action to ban this practice, but not so long ago an aisle was exclusively reserved. for sale and buy rabbits, chicks, cats, etc. The Spice Market is a very popular place, both by locals and tourists. Shopping in the morning between 9 am and 12 noon will help you to avoid the human crowds so that you have plenty of time to walk around and enjoy the scent of the spice blend. Make sure you try all kind of local specialities, they let you taste them for free before you buy them.
Don’t hesitate to take the time to chat and haggle with the vendors. Negotiation is part of the game, in addition to that you will have the right to taste without paying, ideal when you do not know the local specialties. Plus, merchants will be happy to wrap your keepsakes! For more information on Istanbul‘s bazaars, feel free to click on this grand bazaar istanbul article.