The history of the Grand Bazaar: From the “bedesten”s (covered market halls) to today
The history of the Grand Bazaar reflects Istanbul’s own story. Its physical and architectural evolution reveals the city’s transformations, its wealth, and the trials it has overcome.
The birth of a trading hub
The foundations of the Grand Bazaar were established in 1460, soon after Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror took over Istanbul. The market grew around two main bedestens. The first was the Cevahir Bedesten, which was the original center of the bazaar, built to generate revenue for Hagia Sophia. With its 15 domes and thick walls, it functioned as a secure vault for valuable items, including jewels, precious metals, and important documents. The renowned Ottoman traveler/explorer Evliya Çelebi even described it as a fortress of exceptional strength. The second was the Sandal Bedesten, named after “sandal,” a highly valued silk-and-cotton fabric imported from the East. With its 20 domes, this structure greatly expanded the bazaar’s commercial capacity. Together, these two halls became known as the inner fortresses of the Grand Bazaar throughout history. They represented Sultan Mehmed’s vision of transforming his new capital into the economic center of the empire.
A living organism: Streets, domes and hans
Over the centuries, the Grand Bazaar developed organically around these two bedestens, expanding from just two halls into a vast complex of 66 streets and nearly 4,000 shops. This growth was not driven by a central master plan, but rather shaped by the natural flow of commerce. Architecturally, the bazaar is mostly single-story—except for a few multi-level “han”s (inns)—with walls made of brick and stone and roofs covered in tiles. The hans played a vital role in this ecosystem. They were not only workshops for artisans but also places where merchants traveling along the Silk Road could stay, store their goods, and conduct trade. This setup made the Grand Bazaar a self-sufficient commercial hub. One of the most notable hans is the Zincirli Han, with its red façade and green shutters, which is now one of the bazaar’s most photographed corners today and home to many jewelry workshops. Cebeci Han and Kalcılar Han further emphasize the bazaar’s specialized character: Cebeci Han once served as a lodging for traders, while Kalcılar Han was named after the craftsmen who recovered valuable metal dust left over from goldsmith workshops.
Merchant culture and Grand Bazaar jargon
What truly defines the Grand Bazaar is not only its stone walls and domes, but also the merchant culture that has thrived there for generations. This culture spans from the traditions that govern trade and the unique jargon used among shopkeepers.
Guild system and merchant ethics
Guild system and merchant ethics Until the early 19th century, commercial and social life in the bazaar was regulated by the guild system. Each craft had its own street, making competition and quality control easier to manage. This system also imposed a strict code of ethics: goods were sold at prices set by the state, advertising was banned, and the craft’s subtleties were passed down through the master–apprentice tradition. The trust that this system built was so strong that the Grand Bazaar was seen as the safest place in the empire. The rarity of theft is evident in the fact that when 30,000 gold coins were stolen from the İç Bedesten in 1591, the whole city of Istanbul was shaken, and the incident was discussed for weeks.
A language, a secret: The merchants’ private jargon
Although the guild system was officially abolished in 1912, the Grand Bazaar’s unique sense of community has persisted. One of the clearest signs of this is the special jargon merchants use to communicate with each other in front of customers. This coded language even became the subject of a TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) award-winning high school project. It reflects the solidarity that developed among shopkeepers in the absence of the guilds, much like how the guilds once distinguished between “insiders” and “outsiders” to foster a sense of belonging. In this jargon, money is called “yeken”, the U.S. dollar “green”, and the British pound “queen”. Customers are also classified: an eager buyer is a “lokum” (Turkish delight), while a wealthy but hard-to-please client is a “bean”. Even the bargaining process has its own nicknames; prolonged, complex negotiations are called “asking for a bride”, while the case of an unsold item left in stock is described as “becoming brothers”. Commercial hardships also have their terms in this secret tongue: bankruptcy is “alabora” (capsizing), and gold, the bazaar’s most valuable commodity, is referred to as “Beykoz” or “has” (pure).
What to eat in the Grand Bazaar: Traditional culinary stops
Did you know that in the past there were no restaurants in the Grand Bazaar, and everyone brought their meals in lunchboxes? Today, the bazaar is home to a wide variety of authentic food stops enjoyed by both merchants and visitors. These eateries are like a small snapshot of Türkiye’s culinary heritage. Within just a few hundred square meters, you can sample everything from imperial palace cuisine to regional specialties, street food, and traditional tradesmen’s restaurants. For those seeking a quick yet tasty bite, there are options too. One of the most popular is “Dönerci Şahin Usta”, which has been serving customers since 1969 and is considered one of Istanbul’s most famous döner shops. Its doner, a mix of ground and sliced meat grilled over charcoal, is served in homemade flatbread with simple garnishes—and the long lines outside show how popular it is. The bazaar also features many restaurants loved by tradesmen and those craving authentic flavors. Havuzlu Restaurant, established in 1959 and named after the fountain at its center, stands out with its authentic atmosphere and traditional Turkish and Ottoman stews. Bahar Restaurant, located inside Yağcı Han, is a quintessential merchants’ eatery known for its famous “tas kebabı”—a meat-and-vegetable stew with eggplant purée—along with more than 20 dishes served daily. For Gaziantep cuisine enthusiasts, Burç Ocakbaşı offers specialties like eggplant kebab and Antep-style lahmacun. Another popular spot is Fahri Usta, whose carefully sourced ingredients and ever-changing menu truly reflect the bazaar’s dynamic food culture. To relax after shopping and enjoy the ambiance, many visitors head to Şark Kahvesi. With its traditional decor, frothy Turkish coffee, and herbal teas, it remains a favorite meeting spot for merchants and visitors alike.
The Grand Bazaar as a film set
The labyrinthine streets, historic texture, and authentic atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar make it an ideal location for the film industry. Over time, it has transitioned from being a simple background to playing an active role, shaping action and adding character to the story. Closely associated with spy and thriller genres, the Grand Bazaar has become a fixture of global popular culture, reinforcing Istanbul’s image as a city of mystery and adventure.
In the 2012 film Skyfall, one of its most memorable moments is James Bond’s motorcycle chase across the rooftops of the Grand Bazaar, made possible by a special bridge built for the shoot. Nearly 50 years earlier, another Bond movie, From Russia with Love (1963), had already captured the bazaar’s mysterious atmosphere, with several scenes shot inside the historic Zincirli Han. The rooftops appeared again in The International (2009), which featured a chase sequence there before Skyfall. Jackie Chan’s The Accidental Spy (2001) added a lighter touch, blending the bazaar’s crowded streets with his trademark mix of martial arts and comedy. Action and adventure films have also turned the bazaar into their stage. Taken 2 (2012), starring Liam Neeson, used its narrow alleys and rooftops for fast-paced chase scenes. Even animation has taken inspiration here; Spriggan (1998), a cult Japanese anime, features a car chase through Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar. The dynamic camera work and fluid animation of that shoot are said to have inspired films like The Bourne Identity. Historical and thriller productions have also tapped into its atmosphere. The Oscar-winning film Argo (2012) utilized the bazaar to represent a Tehran marketplace during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. In Inferno (2016), based on Dan Brown’s novel and starring Tom Hanks, the story takes place partly in Istanbul, although the market scenes were filmed in the nearby Sahaflar Bazaar and at Istanbul University. In The Water Diviner (2014), directed by Russell Crowe, the surrounding streets were turned into a marketplace set in 1919. Of course, Turkish productions have also adopted it: Netflix’s first Turkish original series, Hakan: Muhafız (The Protector), prominently features the Grand Bazaar in its storyline.
Grand Bazaar shopping guide: What to buy, how to bargain
Shopping in the Grand Bazaar is less about buying something from a store and more about embarking on a journey of discovery and interaction. The range of goods you’ll find here is remarkably diverse. Handwoven Turkish carpets and kilims rank among the most sought-after items, often found along Takkeciler Street or in the historic Zincirli Han. Shops like Şişko Osman, which have specialized in this craft for generations, offer extensive collections.
As one of Türkiye’s main hubs for the gold and jewelry trade, the bazaar requires a discerning eye. When purchasing a valuable piece, it’s essential to choose a reputable merchant and always request certification. In shops like Mavi Köşe, you might come across pieces dating back to the Ottoman era. Another highlight is the traditional Iznik tiles, made from quartz-based clay and decorated with motifs of tulips and carnations, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and rich history. In addition, high-quality leather goods, mosaic lamps, fragrant spices, and hamam accessories such as “peştamal” (waistcloth) contribute to the list of authentic treasures.
Bargaining in the Grand Bazaar is seen not so much as a necessity and more as a ritual—a social exchange between buyer and seller. A few helpful tips can make the process smoother: start with a polite and friendly attitude; compare prices at several shops before making a decision; avoid showing too much enthusiasm for an item, as it can weaken your bargaining position; and accept a cup of tea as a gesture of hospitality that enhances the overall experience. If you can’t agree on a price, don’t hesitate to thank the shopkeeper and walk away, as it may prompt a better offer. Finally, while many shops now accept credit cards, paying in cash often allows for more favorable discounts.
Ultimately, the Grand Bazaar is more than just a cluster of shops. With its layered history, artisanal traditions, social fabric, and enduring economic significance, it remains one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Walking through its corridors, talking with merchants, and absorbing the centuries of stories woven into its walls offers an experience far beyond ordinary shopping. In this way, the Grand Bazaar continues to thrive as one of Istanbul’s most vibrant legacies. Discover more of the world’s great covered markets by reading our article on the most famous bazaars around the globe.
