![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLCEIWGN_4HQWnhF6eAFCZq8xW1uHxOBviQPZx3812HnyVLdw72OR0q2IBhzjMHLxrpg1QPl8I4wouYcYpA-2q9TVzCXzr0JrgAWrvg2uKRBs3dNLIb54zKyohD8H7UaoQUK9e1WiLfQ8/s400/426.JPG) |
One of the many entrances to the Bazaar. It is located right in the
heart of the old city. |
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Turkey is known for their rugs...I was not in the market for one. |
Istanbul is home to a number of different bazaars. You can be walking down a street and find
tables set up with all kinds of trinkets and jewelry. Yet the two most famous bazars in Istanbul
are the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.
I had about two to three hours left before my flight and
still had not done any shopping while in Turkey. I therefore headed to the Grand Bazaar in
hopes of finding some gifts. The Grand
Bazaar is the only covered bazaar in Istanbul and was like a scene I have never
seen before. Thousands of store owners
and shoppers are bargaining pottery, famous Turkish rugs, scarfs, spices
and the list goes on and on. Luckily, I
had Sedef with me. She was able to
haggle the merchants to a price well below a “tourist price”.
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It looked as if it went on for miles and miles. |
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Everywhere you look there is Turkish ceramics. My mother would
have been gone months shopping for this. |
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Be sure to buy some spices or tea as well. |
Two hours was not nearly enough time. I was able to stop at four or five stores out of
the 4,000 inside. I knew what I wanted
to get so I was able to get in and out quickly.
However, had I been with my mother, sisters and girlfriend, it would
have been a painful experience. I
imagine most women would be similar to those four, so guys if you are traveling
there with a woman, find a cozy pub outside and saddle up there for a few days.
All in all it was a great experience. I was able to mingle with the true
people of Turkey who were just trying to make a living. Not to mention attempting to bargain in Turkish was quite enjoyable.
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They literally had everything in the bazaar. |
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Enjoying the last few hours in Turkey. |
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