The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered
markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts
between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its
jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and
antique shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of
goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like. The
bazaar has been an important trading centre since 1461 and its
labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first
of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan
Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th
century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in
1894 underw has been an important trading centre since 1461 and its
labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first
of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan
Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th
century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in
1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake. Source: blendimages
