Spice Bazaar

Have a Fragrant Time at The Spice Bazaar!

For the ultimate in shopping experiences, there are two places you must visit in Istanbul. Firstly, the Grand Bazaar, for it’s winding streets and loud atmosphere, and secondly, the Spice Bazaar.

You don’t have to be an expert chef to enjoy a visit to this fragrant, colourful, loud, and historical shopping spot!

The History of the Spice Bazaar

Located in Eminonu, the Spice Bazaar was originally part of the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) complex, and was built in 1664. It was known then, and still is locally, as the Misir Carsisi, or Egyptian Market. The bazaar was ordered to be built by Hatice Turhan Sultan, Sultan Mehmet IV’s mother. There are around 86 stalls inside the market, and six entrances.

The market was originally built to be a natural kind of pharmacy, as many spices were thought to have medicinal purposes. Outside many of the shops you could see recipes for various medicines, to help with a range of different ailments. You can still see this today in certain parts, although do be careful with trying any of them if you have any conditions or you’re on any medications already!

Despite that warning, there are many herbs and spices sold in the Spice Bazaar which are known to have health properties to them, and which are quite difficult to find anywhere else. You’ll see the various spices heaped up into a dome shape on the various stall fronts, and this is one of the most iconic photographs you have to get from your Istanbul visit! The colours are bright and blinding, and the smell is a wonderful assault on your nostrils!

What Can I Find in The Spice Bazaar?

It’s easier to ask what you can’t find!

You can find the regular spices here, the ones which you can buy in most destinations, but it’s always a good idea to look for the unusual. These spices might help you learn how to cook Turkish food authentically – something to impress everyone back home with!

Look out for the following spices in particular:

• Sumac – Made from the wild Rhus Coriaria bush, this is ideal for salads
• Pul biber – Red pepper flakes with a spicy kick! This is a must for Turkish cooking
• Nar Eksisi – If you’ve ever tried a salad with a dressing in Turkey, it will probably have been dressed in nar eksisi, which is a thick pomegranate juice reduction – delicious!
• Saffron – Not the usual type of saffron, but a different version. It is actually a dried safflower spice, but you can find the regular saffron from Iran here too. The downside? It’s expensive as it is everywhere in the world

There are many other things to buy in the Spice Bazaar aside from spices, including traditional Turkish teas, fruit teas, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and herbal remedies. You can even find baklava, as well as having the opportunity to try Turkish coffee. If you like your coffee very strong and thick, you’ll like this version.

Yes, you will need to haggle. Some shops might have marked prices, but most won’t, because haggling is expected, just like it has been throughout history.

Visiting The Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is very easy to find, and if you can’t see it with your eyes, just follow your nose!

The bazaar is located in Eminonu, right next to the New Mosque. You can’t miss it – the mosque is seen from the waterside and rises right up, so simply follow the mosque and then you will see signs for the Spice Bazaar. You will need to walk down another shopping street to find it, but there are many other things you can buy here, such as dried meats, cheeses, and fresh nut stalls. Consider it a shopping day out!

The Spice Bazaar is open daily from 9am until 7pm, however do bear in mind that during public holidays and religious days, e.g. Ramadan and other Bayram celebrations, the bazaar will be closed. There is no cost to go inside, but do expect to buy something once you’re in there, as the temptation is too great!

Of course, once you’ve finished with your time in the Spice Bazaar, the surrounding area has plenty for you to see and do. Head over to the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) and explore the beautiful architecture and peaceful feel, or venture to one of the seafood restaurants under the Galata Bridge, for a very fresh dinner with an extremely scenic view!