The Egyptian Bazaar (Mysyr Charshysy, tour. Mısır Çarşısı) is the second largest in Istanbul after the Grand Bazaar, but surpasses it in attendance.
It is believed that at the Egyptian bazaar in Istanbul, you can buy something that is nowhere else. Sellers here communicate fluently in Russian, Arabic, Japanese and Chinese, which greatly simplifies the bidding process.
The history of the creation of the Egyptian bazaar
The construction of the bazaar was started by Safiye Sultan in 1597 and completed by Khadija Turhan Sultan in 1664. The construction lasted 67 years and was completed by architect Mustafa Agha. Initially, it was part of the complex of the New Mosque, performing the function of providing financing for its construction. The building, built in the form of a mirror-reverse letter L, has six entrance gates. The domes of the complex are covered with lead.
It was originally called the “new”, as well as the “mother” bazaar. Later it was called “Egyptian” – due to the fact that the bulk of spices and spices of that time were supplied from India to Europe through Egypt.
The Egyptian bazaar was twice damaged by fire — in 1691 and 1940. During the restoration works of 1940-1943, the complex lost many of its original parts. In 1941, it was separated from the New Mosque by a constructed road.
What to buy at the Egyptian bazaar?
The first thing Turkey is famous for, and the first thing you will see there is, of course, Turkish sweets. It is worth going to the dried fruit shops, here you will be offered pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, raisins, dried apricots, coconuts and much more.
The next is aromatic spices. It is unlikely that anywhere else you can find such an assortment of loose and packaged spices. There are saffron, paprika, pepper, cumin, mint, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and everything you can imagine.
There is a huge selection of fragrant teas and tea drinks based on hibiscus at the bazaar. There are ready-made mixtures, individual herbs, buds, berries and everything your heart desires. There are many flavors: apple, lemon, citrus, pomegranate, cinnamon, mint, etc. The most expensive teas are jasmine. They are sold in the form of a ball, which then blooms into a flower in a teapot.
Be sure to visit the bazaar and enjoy its atmosphere!
You can read this article in Russian language: Египетский базар-место где можно купить всё
