Blue Mosque with All Glories

One of the most visited monument in our top 10 attraction points in Istanbul list is the Blue Mosque. It was built in the 17th century by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, one of the students who was educated by Mimar Sinan at the behest of the Sultan 1st Ahmet. The mosque, whose real name is Sultan Ahmet Mosque, is also known as the Blue Mosque because the Iznik tiles of blue color are intensely made between the second window on the walls of the mosque.

 

There are 21043 eye - popping Iznik tiles on the walls of the mosque. The part of house of prayer of the mosque is 64 x 72 meters. The diameter of the central dome which height is 43 meters is 23.5 meters. In the minarets, there are 16 minaret balconies because Sultan Ahmet who made the mosque done is 16th Ottoman sultan. Sultan Ahmet Mosque is one of the biggest building complexes in Istanbul with its complex. This complex consists of a mosque, madrasah, sultan's place, ottoman bazaar, shops, baths, fountains, baths, tombs, hospital, bazaar, charters and rented rooms.

 

Sultan Ahmet's grave was built adjacent to the mosque's garden. You can buy a souvenir that symbolizes this place. Please check  our "what to buy in istanbul "  page.

 

Transportation:

You can reach it by Sultanahmet stop of Kabatas-Bağcılar Tram line. If you come from Anatolia side, you can reach the tram line using Kadıköy-Eminönü and Üsküdar-Eminönü ferry. You just need an Istanbulkart do travel.

 

You can get more information on official page of Ministry of Culture.

Read our Istanbul City Guide for more information about Istanbul and it's attractions.

One of the most visited attraction points in Istanbul is The Grand Bazaar. After the capture of Istanbul by Mehmed the Conqueror, the restructured Empire had to uncover many new institutions. Because it was one of the most important cities of the period, and it would play a role of a source in the creation of a new identity.

 

Especially at the beginning of the business which should be done in the economic direction.It had to be defined in the broadest sense of "product" thinking. When considered from this point of view, the Grand Bazaar Istanbul is perhaps one of the most important and complex projects developed by the Ottoman Empire.

 

In the Ottoman period, besides being a treasure protected by the valuable assets of the closed bazaar palace, it also served as a financial center that led to the accumulation of capital through trade. Mehmed the Conqueror established Cevahir and Sandal bazaars for the purpose of bringing in money to Hagia Sophia, and  Grand Bazaar Istanbul developed thanks to these for 250 years.

 

 

Today those bazaars have lost their functions. But, for gold and foreign exchange rates, “Grand Bazaar” is still an important center. And shopping in the Grand Bazaar is still one of the best Istanbul tourist attractions.

 

The Grand Bazaar has a covered area of 45 thousand m2 and has 3600 shops and 14 taverns on 65 thousand m2 street. If you wonder "what to buy in istanbul”, you should check on this place.

 

 

How to Go to the Grand Bazaar Istanbul?

 

I recommend you to use public transportation in Istanbul. T1 Kabatas - Bagcilar tram will take you to the Grand Bazaar Istanbul easily. The tram stop in front of the grand bazaar is called Beyazit. There will be English anouncement in the Trams and metros. Don't forget to buy Istanbulkart for public transportation in Istanbul.

 

 

Where to stay around the Grand Bazaar Istanbul ?

 

If you want to stay close to Grand Bazaar, I recommend you the hotels around Beyazit area. You can also find good place to stay in Sultanahmet Blue Mosque area. It will be only 2 tram stops away from Grand Bazaar.

 

If you want to stay on a budget and spend more on shopping in the Grand Bazaar Istanbul , you might want to chose one of the airbnb apartments around Sultanahmet.

 

Some Airbnb apartments are offering really comfortable stay and provide fully equipped kitchens.

 

You can check our Airbnb Apartments in Istanbul page to find out where to stay in Istanbul.

 

You can also check our best hotels in Istanbul Guide or click here   to see the hotels in the Grand Bazaar Istanbul Area.

 

 

Grand Bazaar Hours

 

Grand Bazaar Istanbul or Kapalicarsi is one of the big bazaars in Istanbul. It's biggest covered historical bazaar in the world. Millions of  people come from around the world and visit the Grand Bazaar Istanbul.

 

If you miss the chance visiting the Grand Bazaar you will be very disappointed. Make sure you plan according to Grand Bazaar hours.

 

Grand Bazaar Istanbul opening times  : 08:30 am everyday (except Sunday)

Grand Bazaar closing times : 07:00 pm

Important*  The Grand Bazaar Istanbul will be closed on the first day Ramazan bayram ( Ramadan Eid), and during the whole 4 days of  Kurban Bayram ( Sacrifice Fest)

 

 

Grand Bazaar Map

 

Click to enlarge the grand bazaar map below. It will help you explore the narrowest streets of the grand bazaar and find the hidden gems. Feel free to get lost in one of the big bazaars of Istanbul. It's %100 safe. See Grand Bazaar Istanbul Map below!

 

 

If you are a big fan of shopping in historical and authentic Turkish Bazaars,  The Grand Bazaar Istanbul will be your favorite place. You don't need to worry about what to buy in Istanbul when you wander on the streets of the Grand Bazaar. Do not forget to bargain for almost anything there 🙂

 

*Some of the links above affiliate links. It means, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commision if you click through an make a purchase.

Read our Istanbul City Guide for more information about Istanbul and it's attractions.