Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world.

History

The Grand Bazaar's construction began in 1455/56 under Sultan Mehmed II to boost Istanbul’s economy. The Cevâhir Bedesten housed textile and jewelry trade, later joined by the Sandal Bedesten in 1545 for textiles. By the 17th century, it had become a major Mediterranean trade hub with 3,000 shops, 67 streets, and 18 gates.

Fires, earthquakes, and economic shifts led to its decline in the 19th century. The 1894 earthquake reduced its size, and the Sandal Bedesten became an auction house in 1914. Restorations in 1959 and 1980 preserved the Bazaar as a historic marketplace.

Address
İstanbul, Turkey

Established
1455