The Egyptian Bazaar
If you think that you know the Egyptian Bazaar of Istanbul quite well, then you are probably mistaken. Because you will need at least two-hours to find various fantastic and unique offerings that the Egyptian Bazaar has in store for all of you.
The Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar) ---
Egypt Bazaar ( Spice Bazaar ) in Istanbul Eminonu
You think that you have all the relevant knowledge about this market and its different aspects. But the fact is that it is not true. Those of you who thought there were five doors of this market when it was started in 1666 are wrong in their assumption. The truth is that this bazaar has not five but six doors, each of them opening in a different direction and unfolding before you an altogether different world. The point where the two wings of this L-shaped market meet is known as the ‘praying square’. It got its name because in the earlier times, the shopkeepers of this market used to perform their prayers together at this point. And talking about the offerings in this market, well, it has almost anything to just about everything under the sun from spices, clothes, theater puppets to several other things that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. And this diverse range of things available in this market sometimes astonishes not just the travelers but even the shop owners of this market.
The Flower Market---
Situated just close to the famous Egyptian Bazaar, the Flower Market is a colorful market which seems to be carrying on the tradition of the ancient imperial garden belonging to the Ottoman period. It sells different varieties of plants and their seeds along with several different species of animals including iguanas, peacocks and parrots, to name a few. If you feel tired and want to have a short break in your journey, there are several open-air cafes all around this market to serve you hot simmering cup of tea to revitalize your energies.
The New Mosque---
Although, the name of this mosque is the ‘New Mosque’, but the fact is that is nearly 300-years-old mosque depicting a vibrant example of the exemplary architecture of the Classical period. In fact, this mosque happens to be the last and the only surviving examples of the Ottoman mosques belonging to the Classical Period. The mosque boasts of exotic interiors and decorations belonging to the late 17th century period and you can find Ottoman tiles adding elegance to this beautiful monumental structure. A huge dome rests on four grand columns.
Tomb of the Sultan Mother---
It happens to be the biggest dynastic graveyards of Istanbul located near the entry to Bankalar Caddesi. This mausoleum is the resting place for five sultans along with their wives and the crown princes. It was made in 1663 and has 47 windows and mother-of-pearl entrance. It is worth visiting at least once by every visitor to Istanbul.
The Imperial Pavilion----
Situated just next to the New Mosque, this mysterious structure rises over just one arch. The interiors of this building are decorated with beautiful stained glass, Iznik tiles, wooden doors having carvings and stencil work to add extra charm. Although, the restoration work of this building is now complete, but, it can be viewed only from outside.
The Bazaar Restaurants---
The restaurants here serve various traditional dishes of Istanbul. however, the most favorite among the locals and the tourists is the Turkish coffee garnished with gum mastic and hazelnuts to give you superb flavor and mind blowing taste.
Misir Carsisi (Spice or Egyptian Bazaar) – Every Visitor’s Delight
Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar in Eminonu Istanbul
When visiting Istanbul, one cannot think of missing a visit to the famous markets of the city, including the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. An advantage of visiting the Spice Market of Istanbul is that it happens to be more organized and less crowded market as compared to the big Grand Bazaar or the Kapalicarsi.
The Spice Market or the Misir Carsisi is a heaven for getting acquainted with some of the best Turkish delights. You can taste any of the varieties of the spices available in the market.
Talking about its location, it is quite easily reachable. It’s located just behind Yeni Camii or the New Mosque in Eminonu. You can get a tramway to reach this place if you are putting your stay in Sultanahmet. You would notice clearly the Turkish name of the market Misir Carsisi mentioned along with its familiar name Spice Market on the various sign boards in the tram.
If you happen to be first time visitor to the Spice Market, we would like to inform you that you need to pay TYL 1.50 as tram fare and you also need to get tokens before you board the tram. After reaching your destination, you need to walk across the road through the underpass for reaching the New Mosque. Continue walking along the wall of the Mosque to enter the market of spices, that is, the Spice Market.
The Spice Market has just three alleys as compared to the crowded Grand Bazaar having more than 100 alleys. It is a place for spices of almost all the varieties and some sweets too. The variety of spices is really amazing and available in different colors to allure your smelling and seeing power. You can hear vendors calling the visitors in traditional manner and praising their particular spices. You will even notice some vendors asking the passer-bys to try the spices for testing their quality.
You may enter the Spice Market of Istanbul with a pre-conceived notion that it is a place for enjoying ‘lokum’, the famous sweet Turkish delight made of rose water, sugar and starch. But, the fact is that the Spice Market of Istanbul is a place for you to try varieties of Turkish delights, not just the ‘lokum.’ Moreover, you will find fruit juice in place of rose water in lokum along with pieces of fruits including banana, orange, kiwi and any other fruit and nuts.
Yet another inviting and mouth watering Turkish delight available in the Misir Carsisi is figs, either fresh or dried. They are usually available with walnut stuffing and honey or sugar for a sweet taste. Don’t be amazed to hear the vendors calling you to try the Turkish Viagra as figs are often called the by this name in Istanbul.
For those who have a taste for cheeses, you will find sheep and goat cheese served with pistachio in the Spice Market. You can even taste the sample before you find it irresistible to be missed.