Istanbul's Hidden Gems: A Tour of Its Historical Inns and Bazaars

26.03.2023 - 18:37

Experience the charm of Istanbul's past through its historic inns and bustling bazaars. The city's ancient inns offer glimpses into the past, while the vibrant bazaars continue to buzz with activity as they have for centuries. Among the most notable inns is Eminönü, which has welcomed countless visitors over the years. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through time and explore the inns and bazaars that have been a part of Istanbul's landscape since the Ottoman and Byzantine eras. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this captivating city!

1. Grand Bazaar

The Grand bazaar, known as the largest historical bazaar in the world, is a building dating from the Byzantine era. The sections where valuables and jewelry are sold today were made during the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. The great bazaar was made of wood during the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent.

The Grand Bazaar has seen 7 major fires since the year it was built. The damages were repaired and restored to their present state.

2. Mısır Bazaar

The Egyptian Bazaar, located behind the New Mosque in Eminönü, was built by Turhan Sultan to Kazım Ağa, the Chief Architect of Hassa, in 1660.

According to a rumor, it was said to be the Egyptian Bazaar from the eighteenth century to the present because it was built with taxes received from Egypt.

3. Kuru Kahveci Han

Sundays Decanter Coffee Shop, built in 1912, is located between Tahmis Street and Çiçek Pazarlı Street in Eminönü. It is one of the icons of Istanbul on the European Side.

4. Büyük Yeni Han (The Grand New Inn)

The Grand New Inn is located on the European Side of Istanbul's Wall between Mahmutpasa Çakmakçılar Hill, Deckhand and Wheelbarrow streets. The structure was built in 1764. It was built at the time of the third Mustafa. It is known that the architect is Mehmet Tahir Ağa.

5. Balkapani Inn

As the name suggests, the inn has served as a trade center where honey from customs has been stacked and distributed to the public since it was built and started to be used.

It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Beyazit II between 1481 and 1512.

6. Wazir Khan

It was built by Köprülü Mehmet Pasha, the famous vizier of the period. The renovation of the inn by the order of Grand Vizier Fazil Ahmet Pasha in 1894-1895 was instrumental in bringing this magnificent inn up to the present day.

This two-storey building with a courtyard in the middle was built using stone and brick.

7. Sahaflar Bazaar

Another important bazaar that has come to the present day from the Ottoman Empire is the Sahaflar Bazaar. The bazaar is also the oldest book bazaar in Istanbul, which has managed to survive from the Ottoman period to the present day. Sahaflar Bazaar, where you can also find antique books, is located between the Fesciler Gate of the Grand Bazaar and the Beyazit Mosque.

8. Tahtakale

Tahtakale, which is located in the southwest of the Egyptian Bazaar, the symbol of Eminönü, continues to live with all its mobility and vitality in the present, just as in the past. Tahtakale, which was an important commercial center in the period when it was built, still continues to maintain this importance

9. Büyük Yıldız Inn

It is unknown by whom it was built, the construction date of the Büyük Yıldız Han is mentioned in the records as 1817. The building, which resembled the classical Ottoman inns when it was first built, has undergone many renovations over the years and has turned into a place that resembles Western architecture more today.

10. Giritli Mustafa Paşa Han (Mustafa Pasha Khan of Crete)

Mustafa Pasha Khan, a Cretan who carries Ottoman and European influence in the Eminönü Hanlar District, hosts curtain tailors who are trying to survive against fabrication. Located in the Mercan Neighborhood, at the intersection of Cupancılar Street and Çakmakcılar Hill, the inn is gradually fading into history with hand-sewn curtains.

11. Arasta Bazaar

The bazaar, built by Murat in 1590, has been continuing to cover Selimiye's expenses in accordance with his foundation for 428 years with the income from shop rents. Selimiye Arastası, one of the most important bazaars of the Ottoman period in Edirne, remains important today.

12. Historical Coppersmiths (Tarihi Bakırcılar) Bazaar

The historical Bakırcılar Bazaar, located on the lower side of the area surrounding the central walls of Istanbul University in Beyazıt, is one of the oldest bazaars in Istanbul. There are shops here that sell handmade copper objects and works, as well as souvenirs.

13. Zindan Khan

From the outside you will see that it is not like han. It is already used as a jewelry store today rather than an inn. There is also a restaurant on the terrace floor. It was built in the nineteenth century and the owner at that time repaired it so that it would not be destroyed. Its name comes from the dungeon that once existed here. Perhaps one of the most magnificent and touristic inns that continues to exist in the Eminönü region.

14. Kızıl Han

It is located on Kizil Han Street, after which it is named, and it is believed that it was built before the Rustem Pasha Complex. Packaging products are usually sold inside. Of course, its situation is not very heartwarming. It needs to be repaired and the new one needs to be beautified.

15. Burmalı Khan

It is located in a way connected with the Rüstempaşa Complex. It was built by Rüstem Pasha to Mimar Sinan in 1556. At first it was a court structure, then it started to be used as an inn. The U-shape has the characteristic of being a planned courtyard.