"Spice Bazaar ""Egyptian Bazaar"""

If you love spices, enjoy the various flavors of cooking, when in the country of Turkey, you cannot pass by the Spice Bazaar, also called the Egyptian Bazaar. Unlike anything you have ever seen before, you will walk through aisle after aisle filled with all types of wonderful spices. Between the bright colors and amazing fragrances, you will be completely, amazed! In fact, there are so many choices of spices, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and all types of goodies that making a decision is difficult.

At the Spice Bazaar, you will also find a Turkish favorite called Lokum, along with high-end items and jewelry. Throughout the country, there are a number of these spice markets, one of the favorites being in the city of Istanbul known as Misir Carsis, located in the Eminonu District close to the New Mosque. You can walk through the market free, spending hours just marveling at the wonderful choices. To keep you enticed, the locals will also offer samples of delicious snacks, which can also be purchased of course.

This and other spice bazaars is truly the mother of all covered markets in Turkey. Interesting, the particular market of Misir Carsis began as a very small market in 1461, the same time Mehmet was the conqueror. Today, just imagine walking through more than 4,000 – yes, 4,000 shops that stretch out over 60-some streets! Without doubt, Misir Carsi holds the coveted title of being the world’s largest covered market. In addition to rows after rows of the best spices, you will also enjoy the maze of handmade carpets, belly-dancing outfits, leather goods, copper pots, which are designed specifically for making Turkish coffee, and so much more!

Finding your way is somewhat confusing even with named streets but you will quickly discover that you are not the only person eager to move about the streets to find amazing treasures. Interestingly, the buildings that make up this spice bazaar have undergone much devastation to include a fire in 1954 and earthquakes but even so, it keeps coming back stronger each time. Unfortunately, during these times, many of the historical documents have been lost, meaning that knowing a lot about the early years is based on information passed down from locals to locals.

While locals will come to the spice bazaar on occasion to buy things, most of the people spending money is tourists. Just remember that the spice bazaar is busy, loud, and crowded but extremely exciting. Once inside the area, you will find several cash machines if needed along with beautiful tea gardens, and even full-service restaurants. We do recommend you protect your purse or wallet since you will be elbow-to-elbow with many strangers but overall, this experience is incredible.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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