The other major market on the to-see list in Istanbul is the Egyptian Bazaar, better known as the Spice Bazaar. It would be safe to assume the main products sold are spices - and there certainly was a lot of it. From the Grand Bazaar, we took the T1 tram from Beyazit station to Eminonu station, got lost a bit, then finally found the main entrance.
The place is much smaller than the Grand Bazaar but has the same traditional atmosphere. On our way there from Eminonu station, I could see many similarities with public spaces in the Philippines - the mass hordes, the open-air trash bins, refuse on the streets - but it was good to see there were no beggars and street children, and instead tourists everywhere.
The market is known as the Egyptian Bazaar because it was funded by money from Egypt and was a stop for camels traveling on the Silk Road.
After going through the Grand Bazaar, I felt more comfortable going around without fear of losing my wallet and harassed by salespeople. Very much unlike Khan el-Khalili in Egypt where I was harassed to no end.
China?? Korea?? Japan??
Yes, us Asians all look alike. Not so much of that going on here, thankfully.
Well done, Istanbul.
Next, a bit underdressed at Mavi Balik...Labels: Market, Travel, Turkey
