A Guide to Shopping in Istanbul
There’s no city in the world quite like Istanbul. With its numerous bazaars, markets, and specialty stores, shoppers can go from purchasing high-end antiques from the Ottoman Empire to haggling with a street vendor over a scarf within minutes. Chain stores are creeping into the city, but most visitors concentrate on the truly Turkish finds with which Istanbul is bursting. Most visitors start at the Grand Bazaar and call their shopping done. Instead, it’s smart to keep your eyes open because little gems abound all over the city. Right next to the Bazaar, for example, is Nuruosmaniye Caddesi, an area that boasts loads of jewelry stores and art galleries. The chic stores of Nisantasi are a sophisticated solution for travelers who want the best of everything in one place—from international labels like Gucci and Louis Vuitton to handmade sofas from fine craftsmen. The shopping and entertainment area of Beyoglu includes fascinating places like shops specializing in old maps and books. The Big Draws
Some shopping venues in Istanbul are world-famous, including the grand-daddy of them all: the Grand Bazaar. The largest covered market in the country sports about 5,000 shops covering 60 streets. At least a quarter of a million people—locals and tourists alike—visit the bazaar each day, seeking everything from jewelry to ceramics to leather goods to embroidered fabrics to copper. Dating back to the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is essentially a city in itself, with mosques, restaurants, and banks. The Spice Market (or Egyptian Bazaar) is another must-visit venue consisting mainly of the foodstuffs suggested by its name. Spices, dried fruits, and nuts fill the 88 vaulted rooms, as well as some higher-end items like jewelry that have made an appearance in recent years. The city’s second-largest covered marketplace, which has been in existence since the 1600s, is located in the Eminönü district. A Trip Back in Time
With a history stretching back as far as recorded history, Istanbul is an irresistible draw for antiquities hunters. For those who want to combine their love of antiques and carpets, Ala Turca in Çukurcuma features an impressive, hand-selected cache of very expensive pieces. For those with eclectic tastes in antiques, Ziya Aykac in the Grand Bazaar satisfies your desire for collectible antique silver, fabrics, ceramics, and more. Sofa in Cagaloglu deals in old maps, vintage jewelry, and ceramics. Chalabi in Nisantasi has something for everyone, with a variety of antique pieces, paintings, Ottoman furniture, and porcelains. Home Goods
Carpets, porcelains, and ceramics are big business in Istanbul for good reason: the traditional Turkish varieties are unique and not widely available anywhere else in the world. The Anikya Iznik Cini Showroom in Adiguzel Villari showcases ceramic and porcelain pieces with the classic blue-and-white patterns of the Turkish city of Itzik—most famous for giving the Blue Mosque its sea-hued colour. In the Grand Bazaar is Iznik Seramik, which is a convenient space to browse the traditional items inspired by the craftsmanship of the 16th century. The Hakan Hali Carpet Shop is a top destination for visitors who don’t mind handing over serious cash for some gorgeous carpets and kilims. Another plus: you can browse without the constant hassles and come-ons of street vendors. The Özturk Rug House includes an interesting collection of old—and even antique—Caucasian, Persian, and Turkish rugs. Grand Jewels
The Grand Bazaar is home to a couple of jewelry stores that are worth more than a passing glance. First is Horasan, which caters to those who adore both old and new jewelry. The store is filled to the brim with antique jewelry of all types that originated in central Asia, as well as rows of precious and semi-precious stones that the employees will help you turn into the exact piece that you desire. Also in the Bazaar is Bagus, which is a great source for handmade metal jewelry—particularly silver. Mor in Beyoglu sells hip, chunky jewelry created by a group of young local designers. Urart brings old-world design into the new millennium by updating ancient Anatolian designs with a captivating panache. High Fashion
Istanbul isn’t on par with Paris when it comes to famous designers, but the clothing impresarios in Nisantasi are beginning to emerge as people to watch. Shop the country’s most celebrated designers at stores such as Bahar Korçan, featuring the creations of the eponymous designer, whose floaty, gauzy women’s line is sold in this combination retail venue and atelier. Designer Gönül Paksoy crafts elegant women’s clothing, as well as retails stunning jewels. If you prefer proven clothing brands and stores, check out Beyman, Turkey’s answer to high-class American heavyweights like Bloomingdales and Bergdorf’s. Vakko is the grand dame of Turkish fashion houses, with sophisticated, pricey lines, while popular local chain store Yargici caters to a slightly younger clientele with more moderately-priced garb. Only in Istanbul
In a city like Istanbul, where unique is the norm, these shops are particularly noteworthy. Emine Gedik is a fabric-lover’s paradise, with handmade linens and pillows—all scented and ready to give (or keep for yourself). Galeri Suav is a charming shop that may prompt you to consider redecorating your house with its exquisite silk flowers, glassware, copper pieces, and candles. The entertaining Disturbed People in Tünel is a shop that focuses on the unusual—like old 45s reborn as ashtrays. | 
