10 Great Things to Buy from Istanbul's Grand Bazaar

Here today we are going to give you some advices on “What to buy from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar?“. We assure you in advance that the list below which consists of 10 incredibly beautiful items will both amuse you and your loved ones. So, if you somehow happened in Turkey, Istanbul, and visit the historic Grand Bazaar, buy one or more items below on condition that to present precious people around you.

As we shared in our previous article, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar has restarted to welcome its visitors as of June 1 after a two-month-long closure. So, millions from all around the world have already begun to arrange their schedules to visit the oldest market in the world. We believe that you are one of those people. Therefore, it is a great pleasure for us to offer you the greatest advices on “What to Buy from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar?”.

The key point while shopping at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is to bargain as hard as you can. (Image Credit-Flickr) — The key point while shopping at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is to bargain as hard as you can. (Image Credit-Flickr)

Enjoy the article and tell us which ones are you going to buy.

What to Buy from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar: 10 Great Items

If you all are ready, we are about to get on board! You will love to see and learn some of the best Turkish traditional, authentic, and quality items below. They truly describe the cultural dynamics of Turkish history and esthetics. Hence, once you buy some of those items either yourself or others — or both, doesn’t matter, you will both indulge yourself and others. Moreover, it will always be a precious reminder for your joyful days in Istanbul. Let’s get started with the first one:

1- Ceramics

Turkish ceramics will perfectly fit as a precious memoir from Turkey. (Image Credit-123RF)

It is impossible to ignore this historic treasure of the city. Wonderful, attractive, and colorful ceramics will be an unforgettable gift for your loved once when you return home! After visiting the Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque and admiring its dazzling ceramic tiles, you might like to take some of that 8th- and 9th-century style home with you. Iznik bowls and other Turkish ceramics are hot items that you can pick up at the Grand Bazaar. There are plenty of kiosks that sell colorful modern and traditional ceramics. There are hanging ornaments, ornate plates, mugs, ashtrays, vases, and even cute animal figurines.

2- Turkish Lamps

Turkish lamp will make you feel as you are into Aladdin's cave. (Image Credit-Travelvui) — Turkish lamp will make you feel as you are into Aladdin’s cave. (Image Credit-Travelvui)

These are perhaps the most prevalent ornament you’ll come across in Istanbul, especially throughout the Grand Bazaar. Glass items come in a huge variety, ranging from small hanging lamps to chandeliers and vase-like desk lamps in different colors, motifs, and styles. So you can see in the picture above.

3- Nazar evil eye ornaments or “Turkish Eye”

Turkish eye or Devil Eye ornaments is Turkey’s own version of the lucky rabbit’s foot. (Image Credit-Wikipedia)

It is probably the most typical, famous, and cultural ornament which you may encounter anywhere in Turkey. Nazar Boncugu, otherwise known as “evil eye” ornaments is Turkey’s own version of the lucky rabbit’s foot. You can see these blue discs with dots forming an eye motif at their center hung on doors or at storefronts, warding off evil. This very popular souvenir comes in various forms, from keyrings to glass or ceramic ornaments. Prices range from 3 to over 100 Turkish Lira.

4- Turkish Tea, of course!

You just can't leave Turkey without drinking and buying some tea and its set. (Image Credit-Doyouknowturkey) — You just can’t leave Turkey without drinking and buying some tea and its set. (Image Credit-Doyouknowturkey)

Many countries around the world have their own sort of tea tradition. The Turks’ own black tea tradition is a must-try in Istanbul, and you can also bring a bit of the fragrant memories home with you from the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar. Loose-leaf teas come in many different mixes, such as “love tea”, “winter tea”, “orange tea”, and even “erotic tea”. Be sure to open packaged ones to ensure freshness. You can also shop for traditional tea sets and coffee pots for your kitchen back home. Check it also our description on “Everything About Turkish Tea and The Best Way to Make at Home” before you make it at your home.

5- Kilim (Rugs)

Turkish rugs are a very precious gift for your loved ones. (Image Credit-Amazon)

Consider beautifying your home with a piece of artistic Turkish tapestry. The country’s ancient carpet-weaving craft has been well-preserved through generations. Thus, you can pick up a fine example of it at the many souks like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Different regions across the country each produce their own distinct styles. Moreover, the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul seems to house all of them. Kilims, which are produced through traditional flat weaving techniques, come in varying sizes. However, the 1×2-meter ones are usually easy to roll and pack and average around 600 Turkish Lira apiece.

6- Scents and Authentic Turkish Spices

Authentic Turkish spices and scents are going to allure you. (Image Credit-Istanbul Clues)

Here is a “must-do” advice: You must take some aromatic joys of Istanbul with you. You can find spices, herbs, perfumes, and other traditional aromatic products sold at the Grand Bazaar, as well as the Spice Bazaar. Quality Middle Eastern saffron, meatball spices, fermented flour, and curry powders are sold in neat packets. They are just ready for you to take home with you from around 20 Turkish Lira a packet. For a one-off keepsake, some friendly kiosk owners here who specialize in scents can even have a custom-mixed perfume made for you while you sit down and sip some Turkish tea.

7- Gold Jewellery and Turkish Silver

Gold jewelry and Turkish silver ornament Istanbul Grand Bazaar. (Image Credit-Conde Nast Traveler)

Another sparkling sight within the Grand Bazaar is the kiosks of jewelers. Just walking into the souks with displays of glittering gems and gold and silver curios is like entering Aladdin’s cave. Take your time going through the displays and admiring the great craftsmanship. Prices are competitive but keep bargaining hard as it is a very typical feature at any shopping in Turkey. For your peace of mind when buying gold, remember to ask for a receipt bearing the gold’s karat. Further, ask the seller or shop’s complete name and contact details.

8- Turkish Delight

You can often ask to taste a sample of Turkish delights before purchasing. (Image Credit-Flickr)

Turkish delight is the sweet treat of Istanbul. You can share the sweet flavors of Turkey with those back home through famous, traditional Turkish Delights. There are a few great confectionary kiosks inside the Grand Bazaar, where you can select from a good variety. These include Turkish Delights & Spices & Teas and Kadirbaba Turkish Delight. Stacks of sweets in different displays are neatly arranged. What’s more, you can often ask to taste a sample before purchasing. You’re free to haggle over everything in the bazaar, including food items.

9- Hammam Soap

You should bring home a bit of that Turkish bath experience by purchasing hammam soaps.

Hammam, or most famously Turkish bath, is probably one of the first things to come into one’s mind when talking about Turkish culture. During the reign of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle and Eastern Europe, the way of bathing of Turks became popular. And so did Hammam soaps.

You can bring home a bit of that Turkish bath experience by purchasing hammam soaps. Most soaps or sabun sold at the Grand Bazaar come in modern packaging, as well as various aromatic scents and types. These include olive oil, honey, lavender, and pure white ones. The more traditional soaps are Turkish black soaps. They help exfoliate the skin and come with a silky, buttery texture, from around 45 Turkish Lira a pack.

10- Nargile Pipes

Nargile Pipes or Hookah maintains its popularity in Istanbul. (Image Credit-123RF)

The last one as an answer to “What to buy from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar?” is Nargile Pipes. They’re also called hookahs, shishas, and water pipes. The ancient Persian pastime of smoking through water pipes – known as nargile in Turkey – lives on in Istanbul. Even if you aren’t into smoking, these towering pipes can help fire up a conversation among guests in your living room back home. Like Turkish lamps, these ornate standing pipes come in colorful motifs. Further, they are widely common at the Grand Bazaar. You can find around 10 shops that specialize in these. They sell for around 100 Turkish Lira apiece.

What to Buy from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar: 10 Great Things to Make Your Loved Ones Very Happy