The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul

The Spice Bazaar, one of the popular spots of the historical peninsula, has a deep-rooted history. It is one of the places where the heart of shopping has been beating since the Ottoman period.

One of the oldest bazaars in Istanbul, the Spice Bazaar attracts everyone's attention with its orientalist atmosphere. It is one of the places to visit in Istanbul.

Located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, in the Eminönü district, the Spice Bazaar is located behind the New Mosque. The bazaar fascinates everyone with its historical background and different atmosphere. In addition to colorful spices, you can find local clothes, nuts, flower seeds, and coffee in this magical place.

The bazaar was built in 1597 with the order of Safiye Sultan, wife of Sultan Murad III. It was built as the bazaar of the New Mosque complex to meet the expenses of the mosque. The bazaar of the New Mosque, known as the Spice Bazaar shortly after its construction, was opened with a ceremony held in 1663-1664. The upper floors of the main entrance gates at both ends of the historical building, of which Kazım Ağa was the architect, were used as the Commercial Court, where judges looked after the legal problems between the bazaar artisans and the public.

The historical Spice Bazaar, which was severely damaged in the large-scale fire in 1940, was restored by the Istanbul Municipality and regained its identity as a bazaar. The bazaar, which has a 400-year-old history, was separated from the New Mosque by the road that was built in 1941.

Spice Bazaar, which had worn out over time and needed to be renewed over the course of time, has been renovated with the latest technology with the restoration works carried out by the General Directorate for Foundations between 2013-2018. The bazaar, which has suffered two great fires in history and has reached the present day with all its glory, was built in the classical Ottoman style with an L plan. The bazaar has six gates, four large and two small.

Spice shops, shops selling aromatic, herbal, and essential oils, dried fruit shops, jewelers, and touristic goods shops are located in the Spice Bazaar.

When you visit Eminönü, you should definitely stop by the Spice Bazaar and feel the magical atmosphere.