Dubai Post 34: A Shopper’s Paradise

One of the many entrances to the Bazaar.  It is located right in the
heart of the old city. 

Turkey is known for their rugs...I was not in the market for one. 

Istanbul is home to a number of different bazaars.  You can be walking down a street and find tables set up with all kinds of trinkets and jewelry.  Yet the two most famous bazars in Istanbul are the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

I had about two to three hours left before my flight and still had not done any shopping while in Turkey.  I therefore headed to the Grand Bazaar in hopes of finding some gifts.  The Grand Bazaar is the only covered bazaar in Istanbul and was like a scene I have never seen before.  Thousands of store owners and shoppers are bargaining pottery, famous Turkish rugs, scarfs, spices and the list goes on and on.  Luckily, I had Sedef with me.  She was able to haggle the merchants to a price well below a “tourist price”.

It looked as if it went on for miles and miles. 

Everywhere you look there is Turkish ceramics.  My mother would
have been gone months shopping for this. 

Be sure to buy some spices or tea as well. 

Two hours was not nearly enough time.  I was able to stop at four or five stores out of the 4,000 inside.  I knew what I wanted to get so I was able to get in and out quickly.  However, had I been with my mother, sisters and girlfriend, it would have been a painful experience.  I imagine most women would be similar to those four, so guys if you are traveling there with a woman, find a cozy pub outside and saddle up there for a few days.

All in all it was a great experience.  I was able to mingle with the true people of Turkey who were just trying to make a living.  Not to mention attempting to bargain in Turkish was quite enjoyable. 

They literally had everything in the bazaar. 

Enjoying the last few hours in Turkey.