Istanbul is famously recognized as one of the most significant cities for trade, a reputation that traces back to its prime location on the historic Silk Road, which once served as a vital trade route. From that era to the present day, Istanbul has remained a popular destination for shopping enthusiasts. Many even call it a
published: 21 September 2022 / updated: 8 November 2024Share
Beyond its affordability, Istanbul's shopping experience is enriched by its diversity, blending traditional markets with modern shopping centers. Visitors can explore bustling bazaars like the Grand Bazaar, filled with handmade crafts, jewelry, and spices, or enjoy a high-end shopping experience at luxury malls such as Zorlu Center and Istinye Park. This unique mix allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural heritage while also enjoying contemporary global brands, making Istanbul an unmatched destination for any shopping lover. Thus, many people visit Istanbul from all over the world to do shopping.
So what is it that makes shopping in Istanbul different? Are there any famous Products to buy?
Some products reflect Turkish Culture and other products that are related to Turkey but the city has everything you would desire and in different quality and prices. This is why it is different to go shopping in Istanbul. Here are some of the things you might be interested in buying from Istanbul:
Lokum
Lokum is a very famous Turkish dessert and it has been produced since the early 1700s and became well known over the world through trade. Lokum desserts are small pieces made of gel starch and have different shapes and flavors such as Limon, Vanilla, Coffee, fruits, and many flavors, lokum pieces are covered with grated pistachios or grated coconut and people in Turkey eat this dessert on a daily basis because it is very delicious, so you can buy two or three packets for you and your friends.
Turkish Coffee
for sure you have heard a lot about Turkish coffee, it is not very different from other coffees as a raw material, but the way it is made gives you a different coffee, it is poured into small cups with small pieces of chocolate or biscuit and it is heavy compared to other types of coffees. The most delicious is at Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi shop in Fatih District you can buy some of it with two coffee cups for you and your partner to drink on a sunny morning.
Jewelry
Turkey is the second country in the world in terms of the jewelry trade business, you can find literally thousands of designs of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and different carats from 14 to 24 raw gold, silver, or other jewelry in addition to original diamonds. The best place to buy jewelry and the most famous one is the Grand Bazaar, you can find more than 1000 Kilograms of gold and jewelry and varied traditional, and modern collections but the most famous collection is Ottoman rings for men, a beautiful silver ring with a big colored stone on top of it.
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Hamam Accessories
As the traditional Turkish bath became very famous around the world some people started to produce its accessories such the thin towels, loofahs, and natural soaps like olive oil soap or milk soap in addition to natural lotions, but such products or only found in the Grand Bazaar or near Galata Tower. And they are not expensive, you can buy a lot of accessories for 100 Dollars.
Handmade Ceramics
Handmade ceramics are spread in every district in Istanbul because it is a part of the Turkish tradition, you can find some of the 8th and 9th-century style or Ottoman-style ceramic bowls, dishes, and other items. You can find such items in kiosks and shops in the Grand Bazaar, Sultan Ahmet Square, and Ortakoy Square. Of course, other shops are available in other districts and streets but these are the most famous places for ceramics.
Spices
Being located directly on the old international Silk Trade Road, Istanbul city gathered spices from many countries around the world like China and India, and even its own spices. You can find all kinds of spices you want or need, some are expensive and some are not, it depends on the spice itself. You can buy spices from the famous Spice Bazaar that is located in Eminonu Square, it has the best spices in the city, and also fun to have a walk in it.
Carpets
Turkey is one of the countries that are famous for producing carpets, especially traditional handmade carpets that cost thousands of dollars and tens of days to make. Modern designs are also available with different qualities low, high, cheap, or expensive.
Carpets and handmade carpets are available in the Grand Bazaar. You can buy one to decorate your home with fancy Turkish style.
Istanbul city has a lot of things to see and buy, things that are rare to find and special, and things that are available anywhere but cheaper. It is really what some call “ a shopping heaven ”
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