Egyptian Bazaar

In the Eminönü district, not far from the Galata Bridge, you’ll find the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s oldest markets. This covered bazaar is smaller and less famous than the Grand Bazaar, but it’s well worth exploring to hunt for souvenirs or authentic local products and to soak up its vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

Even during the Genoese and Venetian occupation, a thriving market was already operating here, frequented by their merchants, and over time many Jewish traders also arrived. The Egyptian Bazaar was initially called the “New Bazaar” and later the “Spice Bazaar” since it originally specialised in selling spices, medicinal herbs and dried fruits.

Exploring the Egyptian Bazaar

The idea to build this site emerged in the late sixteenth century, and the rent charged to merchants initially served to cover the costs of constructing and maintaining a new mosque. In the area, at the behest of Safiye Sultan, wife of Sultan Murad III, the New Mosque of Eminönü was built, also known as Yeni Cami. With the construction of this mosque, the Jewish residents and workers of Eminönü were relocated to the Balat district, and near the place of worship, madrasas—Quranic schools—were also built.

The name “Egyptian Bazaar” (Mısır Çarşısı) was later assigned to this area because the majority of products sold here came from Egypt, then a province of the Ottoman Empire. Construction of the complex, which began in the late sixteenth century, was completed in the seventeenth century (after a long halt) thanks to Hatice Turhan Sultan, mother of Sultan Murat IV.

The architects who worked on the project at that time were Davut Aga and Mustafa Aga, two important professionals employed by the Ottoman court. The building’s second floor contained rooms used as a courthouse where Islamic judges settled disputes and disagreements between merchants and customers.

The Egyptian Bazaar has always been a true paradise for those who love fragrances and essences, but over time the market has expanded its offerings and today you’ll find clothing, accessories, fabrics, jewellery and traditional products such as pestil, a Turkish sweet made from dried fruit, or the more famous baklava. Around the Egyptian Bazaar, there’s also another lively area with the flower market as well as stalls and shops selling fresh fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce.

Egyptian Bazaar Opening Hours

The Egyptian Bazaar is open every day of the year from 09:00 to 19:30, but closes on Islamic religious holidays.

How to Reach the Egyptian Bazaar

The Egyptian Bazaar is approximately 1.5 km from the Sultanahmet district, home to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. From there, you can reach the bazaar on foot in about 20–25 minutes or by public transport; the nearest tram stop is Eminönü on the T1 line.