Bustling Bazaars

I have been to a number of bazaars in Mecca and Medina, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, so I wasn't expecting much. But the bazaars in Istanbul were amazing-bustling works of art. Every vendor showcases his or her wares as if they were things not to just to be sold, but were items to tantilise the five senses- sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. Things were lined exactly; colours coordinated perfectly...It was an absolute delight to behold and experience as these pictures will show.

One of the most famous bazaars in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar- or known by the Turks as Kapali Cursi. The 15th century covered bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest in the world. It covers nearly 60 streets and contains about 4000 shops. It has 2 mosques, a police station, numerous restaurants and cafes. And I believe it sells almost anything you could want. Mind you I didn't buy anything from there, because I found the haggling and pushiness to be too much for me. As a good friend told hubby, the Grand Bazaar is simply for looking, not for buying. If you want to buy, you need to shop where the local shops. Nevertheless, if you are ever in Istanbul you have to visit the Grand Bazaar. It is an experience not be missed and you will need a few hours to meander though the maze of shops.