Arasta Bazaar — Local services in Fatih

I arrived at Arasta Bazaar in the morning, just as it was opening. The sun was shining and the air was fresh. The bazaar is located right next to the Sultanahmet Mosque, so I could hear the call to prayer echoing through the streets.

I wandered through the bazaar, taking in the sights and smells. There were stalls selling all sorts of things, from traditional Turkish souvenirs to handmade carpets and jewelry. I stopped to buy a few gifts for my friends and family back home.

One of the things I loved about Arasta Bazaar is that it's not as crowded as the Grand Bazaar. It was still busy, but it was much more manageable. I was able to take my time and browse the different stalls without feeling overwhelmed.

I also appreciated the fact that the shops in Arasta Bazaar are all family-owned. The shopkeepers were friendly and welcoming, and they were happy to answer my questions about their products.

I spent about an hour in Arasta Bazaar, and I had a great time. It was a perfect way to experience the local culture and buy some souvenirs to take home.

Here are some tips for having a good experience at Arasta Bazaar:

Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Be prepared to bargain. The shopkeepers will start by asking for a higher price, so be prepared to negotiate. Don't be afraid to walk away if you're not happy with the price. There are plenty of other shops to choose from. Be respectful of the local culture. Don't haggle too aggressively or take pictures of people without their permission. I hope you have a great experience at...

Marhaba 👋

Located just 5 minutes away from the mosque, this bazaar offers a unique shopping experience that is not to be missed. While the prices may be slightly higher than those of other shops and malls, the quality of the products and the atmosphere of the bazaar make it well worth the visit.

If you are planning a visit with your family and have young children, I would highly recommend bringing a stroller to make navigating the bazaar easier. There is so much to see and explore, and having a stroller will ensure that your little ones are comfortable and safe throughout your visit.

In addition to its convenient location near the mosque, the bazaar is easily accessible by tram, metro, taxi, and bus, making it a great destination for anyone looking to explore the area.

I hope you find this information helpful, and I encourage you to visit the bazaar soon to experience its unique charm...

Scammers market?

Watch out for the huge "tourist tax"!

While in the area we ran into this colorful bazaar street close to the blue mosque. Obviously it is located in a touristy area, but it wasn't too busy.

We saw this beautiful store, where we got free dried fruits, spices, teas and more. All delicious! They were friendly...

We checked out the prices and asked for a small bit, but then he started shoveling in large amounts, and we though it would be fine, as it was just dried fruits, but...

One tea and some dried fruits were 2000 lira, or around $ 55! Definitely a scam and maybe 3x the price of other places.

"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice,...."

I would recommend to look, but not buy! Don't support this type of behaviour, and buy somewhere else. Always ask for the price before! What we bought was good quality, but they sell it all over the city at more...