Shopping Around the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

A trip to Istanbul wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of oldest markets in the world with around 4,000 shops. I've already done my homework before I got there, so I was ready to take the plunge and haggle the pushy sales people to death, ready to give that "I'm-walking-away" attitude, and had enough caffeine in me to keep me buzzing all day long. The Grand Bazaar is HUUGE and very crowded! So I couldn't possibly cover all its shops, it was segmented into different areas selling jewelry, Turkish ceramics, home accessories, carpets and textiles, leather goods and more. Exploring its endless stores was fun and exhausting at the same time. And it was definitely "interesting" to compare the prices of the stuff I have seen at the Grand Bazaar with the ones I have seen in various exhibitions that were held in Kuwait before and during Ramadan. After walking around for 30 minutes, I started seeing the same products being sold at 20 different stores so that kind of turned me off. However, I did end up buying some jewelry and a couple of ceramics which I think (or hope) were not mass produced as much. Scroll down for more info and a mini tour or my visit.

I came across a place called Silversez in the jewelry section which I liked its selection, according to the sales guy, they ship internationally and they have an online store too, find out more here. I took photos of some of the pieces in store (shown here).

Cute slipper/loafers covered in ikat fabrics, I think they work well with both caftans and cropped jeans.

I call these the usual suspects...

Comments

L said…

love this!! I'm visiting Istanbul soon what other shopping places do you recommend?

26 August, 2012

Anonymous said…

So lovely place! Amazing photos, stunning photos and so Beautiful Colours! it seems like a Masterpiece of Art!!
Chapeau!!

26 August, 2012

Confashion said…

L
Yes!! Check out the following places:

-IstinyePark for high-end brands
-Kanyon Mall where you will find Harvey Nichols
-Deposite Outlet Center for outlet shopping
-Gevahir for turkish merchandise
-Pasabache for homeware
-Machka and Yargici for clothes and accessories

Anonymous
Glad you liked them :)

05 September, 2012

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