The Grand Bazaar or Grand Market (Turkish: Büyük Çarşı) or the Covered Bazaar (Turkish: Kapalıçarşı) in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, on a total area of 30,700 m2, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. In 2014, it was listed No.1 among the world’s most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors. The Grand Bazaar at Istanbul is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world. The covered market or the Grand Bazaar is one of the most important historical monuments of Istanbul, and one of the most important features of this charming city. This market was the center of the stock exchange in the Ottoman era, as it was built during the period of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror ordered its construction in 1461 AD and that the market, houses and mosques in that area all be built under one roof. The closed market was built specifically in this place to serve the Hagia Sophia area.

The market is characterized by multiple crafts since ancient times, where every street was named after the handicraft that spread in it, such as the gold market, the silver market, the copper market and so on. The market is surrounded by about 11 main doors, the most important of which is Nuruosmaniye door, which has the emblem of the Ottoman Empire on its façade. In the market there are two mosques, a police station, restaurants, water fountains and information centers for tourists. It also contains the largest ancient historical safe that used to put jewelry, antiques, weapons and money. In the middle is the “Chevahir Bidesten” hall, in which you will find the most valuable jewels, watches and valuable silverware. This square is considered the oldest place inside the closed market. You can wander in this market for long hours, during which you will be confused between many shops, some of them sell antiques, weapons and copper tools, and others sell wonderful spices, silk carpets, gold, traditional jewelry, precious stones, leather clothes and valuable souvenirs.