Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, built in the 15th century - one of the largest covered markets in the world. Bazaar is located to the east of Istanbul University in Beyazit. In the old days there were shops that gave their revenue Saint Sophia Cathedral. During the period of Ottoman sultan ordered the construction of on-site shops Covered Market. It is believed that the market was founded in 1461. More precisely, in 1461 it was built Internal Market, located inside the covered market. But his outer part --Sandal Bedesten - was built only later. Since its inception, the market expanded, and today was like a small town covered with a common roof. The huge market maze covers an area of ​​30700 sq.m.

Grand Bazaar is a huge complex where 2600 shops, 65 streets, 22 gates, 24 private hotels and market areas, 2 indoor market, restaurants, mosques, fountains and caves. There are more than 500 shops selling gold products. The owners of these stores pay rent for a month in the amount of $ 5-8, and therefore, the tactics of trade in the market is quite aggressive.

Very popular shops that sell jewelry, carpets, ceramics and spices. Many counters are combined in groups according to the type of goods sold, i.e. highlighted some areas for trading leather clothing, jewelry, etc.

To enter the Grand Bazaar, there are several gates, considered the most spectacular nuruosmaniye Gate. They are made in the form of the arches in the Moorish style. Arch is decorated with a marble fountain, which was created in memory of what happened in 1954, a fire destroyed a third of the market. Near the mosque is located nuruosmaniye - this is the first Turkish building made in the Baroque style.

The main street of the Grand Bazaar is considered Kolpachnikov Street. It is on this street, glittering like to stop buyers. There are shops selling jewelry in silver and gold. If you turn right and go on to the old bazaar, you can see an extraordinary collection of products made of copper, gold and antiquities.

Goods stored in the two domed stone buildings in the territory of the Grand Bazaar. One of the buildings in 1464 ordered the construction of Mehmed II. Grand Bazaar suffered during the earthquake in 1894. After the earthquake were restored. Currently, the Grand Bazaar each day comes from 250 000 to 400 000 customers.