The spice bazaar in Istanbul is located at the southern end of the Galata Bridge right next to the New Mosque. Its not a religious place, but it may be a religious experience for the nose and the taste buds. For those that have never experience the East, this is a must visit if and when in Istanbul, Turkey.
A Bazaar of Turkish History
Soulard Market in St Louis has smells of the Midwest. The Spice Market in Istanbul is quite larger and more exotic. It is home to nuts, dried spices, honey combs, oils, teas, sweets and aphrodisiacs. There are over 86 shops to explore and experience. Flowers, blankets, leathers, weapons, and other textiles, as well as fresh fruits may be found as well.
Rich pastries can be found as well and cakes in brilliant colors that sing of sweetness, but when biting into them, the surprise is a light and tasty treat instead of finding the over sugared tastes of the West. Coffees fill the air as well and the Turkish are a warm people that like to socialize and host travelers. The people of Istanbul have been doing so for centuries.
The Oldest Covered Market in the World
The Spice Market was erected in the middle of the 17th Century so it is a history lesson as well. It is the original place that the Egyptians brought spices to in order to reach customers in the Mediterranean.
Some claim the Egyptian Bazaar to be the oldest covered market in the world and who is going to debate with the old country? The market was originally built of wood and restored after every natural or man man disaster until it was restored in stone in the mid-fifties. A map of the area where the market lays has been posted on Google. With its known history, it is a guarantee that a customer may bargain and indeed if a tourist is purchasing there, do bargain.
It is custom to bargain because the retailers want to make customers happy, and not unlike in Western stores, the prices have been marked up. Thus, bargaining means getting a price that is realistic and making the retailer and customer happy. Shop owners may be offended if a bargain is not initiated. How else would they know if their is interest in their product and they have a reputation to up hold.
The Inspiration of Cosmopolitan
The Egyptian Bazaar is in the middle of the peninsula that Istanbul calls home. On one side is Marman Sea and on the other is the Black Sea. The Propontis connects the two seas and puts Istanbul at the midpoint between Asia and Europe. Thus, don't stereotype this city. It is bound by many cultures and full of surprises. There are many languages and heritages in the streets, and it is home to Christianity, Judaism and Muslim people. In its crowded streets is an abundance of history of the world, knowledge and life. Visit Istanbul with it arid, joyous climate, and zest for life. There is no better bargain.
Tobey Strauch - I graduated from Iowa State University with a Masters in Industrial Systems Engineering. I have traveled around the world to England, ...
