Once in Asia, any tourist will visit the eastern bazaars at least once. Not even in order to buy a souvenir, but just to immerse yourself in the flavor of the country. Believe me, a lot of impressions are guaranteed for tourists, because it is a special world full of mysteries and exoticism.
Turkey. Bazaars of Istanbul
Istanbul is a beautiful city. Here you can walk for many days and never get bored. And on every free patch there are markets. Oriental bazaars in Istanbul are like city blocks. There are streets, alleys and houses, and a vaulted ceiling protects from the weather. That's just inhabited by these neighborhoods are not people, but all kinds of goods.
The streets of Istanbul themed bazaars. Some sell spices, others sell musical instruments, others sell carpets. In these neighborhoods there are no residential buildings, only shops.
The largest bazaar in Istanbul is called Kapali Charshi. Translated - "indoor bazaar." Europeans gave their name to this place - the Grand Bazaar. This is an entire architectural complex with many gates, similar to each other. The construction of Kapala Charshi began in 1461. Like other oriental bazaars, the Grand Bazaar attracts many tourists. At their service are 61 streets and more than 5,000 shops and benches. On the market there are warehouses, fountains, mosques and even a school. And you can have a snack on street stalls and in numerous cafes.
The huge indoor oriental bazaar, the photo of which every tourist will definitely take, has long switched to English and Russian. Any seller knows the minimum set of words and sentences that allows you to bargain with buyers of all nationalities.
Since this is a tourist attraction, the prices are very high, but sellers are willing to bargain and give in. And the local population makes purchases in open markets or in other quarters, where tourists are less likely to get.
Sahaflar Market
This is an unusual oriental bazaar near the old Istanbul University. He specializes in selling antique books. People come here for impressions and for rare editions. This place has long attracted intellectuals. It still maintains the status of one of the best bazaars. Want to look at old manuscripts and hold copies of Ottoman miniatures in your hands? Come to the unique Sahaflar Book Bazaar and enjoy the neighborhood of print antiquity.
Spice Bazaar
Oddly enough, this Istanbul market is called the Egyptian Bazaar. This is due to the fact that fragrant goods were delivered to Turkey from India via Egypt. This is the second largest Istanbul market, after Kapala Charshi, but it has a simplified structure of streets. It’s easy to navigate.
At the Egyptian Bazaar, they sell not only spices, there are sweets, dried fruits, a variety of nuts, coffee and tea. This is a kind of exhibition where you can touch everything and try. Many oriental bazaars set aside side streets for locals. The Egyptian market is no exception. In the main row, a tourist can try whatever he wants. But he should go all the way and turn right, on a quieter street he will see goods that can be bought much cheaper.
Uzbekistan Tashkent
All the eastern bazaars of the world are somewhat similar. And Tashkent is no exception. More than 20 large and small markets are open here, but Chorsu is the most colorful and large. This bazaar is located in the heart of old Tashkent. "Chorsu" reverently preserves the unique atmosphere inherent in old eastern bazaars. It is covered with a high blue vault, under which the aroma of spices and sweets reigns. It sells the most delicious melons and watermelons, and counters with dishes of national cuisine can not be avoided. Right at the bazaar, tightrope walkers and hypocrites give an idea. Not only tourists come here, but also the local population is chosen by whole families for a good mood and new experiences.
Ask any tourist about the oriental bazaar. Reviews will be emotional with a touch of enthusiasm. The cheerful hustle and bustle leaves no one indifferent. Smiling sellers will persuade anyone for at least one small purchase. And buyers who see such an abundance of exotic delicacies and souvenirs have a great desire to bring some original trinket from their trip or to pamper their loved ones with an unusual meal.