Tuesday and Friday bazaar — Attraction in Kadıköy

Yesterday was my 3rd time in the Kadıköy Bazaar so I wanted to leave this review. If you have a question mark in your mind, this review will erase it all.

First of all, this bazaar is so gigantic that you can lose your way if its your first time there. There are household appliances, clothes, vegetables, fruits and so on. In other words, there is everything from soup to nuts. The last time which was my second time I went there was December 2022 and I can genuienly say that the prices are almost twice as much now. For example, hoodies were 150 lira last year but now they are 250 lira. I bought one and I thought it was a great bargain. The fabric was thick so I felt like it was great value for that money (a similar one in a quality brand would be at least 600 lira).

I bought a fake Versace perfume and it was only 100 lira (100ml) but obviously its not persistent which is understandable as 100 lira for a perfume is not a lot of money. I also bought 2 Nike socks and I only paid 15 lira. There were a lot more things to buy but I had to limit myself so that was all my shopping.

BUT, unfortunately there is one nonignorable part of that bazaar that really disturbs me. In the second-hand part of that bazaar there are some things that should be in a trash dumpster. There are ragged shoes, used lipsticks, mascaras, nail polishes, foundation creams etc And they look absolutely diabolical. They look and simply are so unhygenic, dirty, and filthy. Now I know and understand that these sellers are trying to make both their ends meet but these second-hand personal care products are absolutely nauseating. There are even empty perfumes that are waiting to be sold but I can't understand how anyone would buy them.

In a nutshell, the bazaar is quite handy but some of the items in the bazaar shouldn't be allowed...

Review:

The Tuesday Bazaar in Kadikoy, Istanbul, is a vibrant and bustling market that offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Held every Tuesday, this lively bazaar is a treasure trove of local goods, fresh produce, and authentic Turkish street food.

Wandering through the narrow lanes of the bazaar, I was captivated by the colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and spices, all piled high in vibrant stacks that seemed to stretch on endlessly. The air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of grilled meats, freshly baked bread, and aromatic spices, enticing me to sample everything in sight.

One of the highlights of the Tuesday Bazaar is the opportunity to interact with local vendors, who are always friendly and eager to share their knowledge and expertise. Whether haggling over prices or simply exchanging smiles and greetings, the sense of community and camaraderie is palpable.

In addition to the fresh produce and delicious street food, the bazaar also offers a wide variety of other goods, including clothing, accessories, household items, and more. Bargain hunters will delight in the opportunity to find unique treasures at unbeatable prices.

Overall, the Tuesday Bazaar in Kadikoy is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the vibrant culture and bustling energy of Istanbul. Whether you're a food lover, a shopping enthusiast, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, this lively market has something for everyone. I highly recommend carving out some time to explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of this iconic Istanbul...

First time at this market, and wow, no disappointment. As good as any halk pazar in Izmir, Kas, Fethiye. Vegetables are simply the best you can buy, at best prices too. And great mounds of them, row after row, red, green, purple...stimulating and fun. The guys working there are invariably good natured (with yabanci's maybe), even though they have a tough job, standing there making change all day. (Note the Chinese use Wechat in such bustling markets, no cash, no change. things go much faster, cleaner, no counting, no dropping, no purses in/out...just phones. Why can't we have that in USA and Turkiye?).

Avoid Carrefour, SOK, A101, and urban markets unless you can't wait for markets. Which for sure most folks cannot.

This market is way out in the Karakoy suburbs, crowded bus to get there. Few tourists or foreigners around.

25TL/kg for tomatoes (last year it was 10), quality is spot on. No dried, stale, dented, bruised, oily produce here. Best stuff. Bring lots of bags, maybe a wheeled cart, because there's a ton of stuff, cheap and good.

And yes there is a clothing section as well....