Spice Bazaar - Misir Carsisi

If the Grand Bazaar is the father of Istanbul’s bazaars, then the Spice Bazaar is its pretty little daughter.

Commissioned by the Sultan’s wife, Hatice Turhan Sultan, as a way of helping to support the upkeep of the Yeni Cami - New Mosque, architect Kazim Aga built the Spice Bazaar in 1664. With its eighty six shops packed full of herbs, spices, fresh, preserved and dried foods and souvenirs, the Spice Bazaar is a vibrant and fragrant celebration of all things delicious.

Powdered and fruit teas, as well as spices are arranged outside shops in brightly coloured pyramids, and most shopkeepers won’t mind you pointing your camera at these man-made marvels.

Shops sell everything from olives, cheeses, Turkish Delight, dried meats and fruits, teas, to bright scarves, lanterns and Turkish water pipes. For those feeling a little under the weather, the Spice Bazaar’s function as a natural pharmacy is still in use. Herbs are mixed to provide cures to such ailments as lack of love or problems making love.

Visitors may also notice photographs lining the walls of the small stores of Spice Bazaar. It seems a new tradition has emerged, with the Bazaar’s employees competing to gain top shots with various A, B and C–list celebrities to grace their stores. ‘Obama was here’, reads one.

Located just up from the Golden Horn, the Spice Bazaar forms part of the Yeni Cami (‘New Mosque’) complex which originally included two fountains, the New Mosque and a children’s school. It is also near to a flower market and the ferry terminal for Bosphorous cruises and those bound for Kadikoy on the Asian side.

The Spice Bazaar’s L-shape and relatively small area makes it relatively easy to navigate around. There is a toilet inside the building along with several small eateries and the historic Pandeli Restaurant.

Practical Information:

Opening hours: Everyday, 8.30am – 6.30pm.

Entrance: Free. Donations accepted.