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Destination:

Turkey


Great Buys

With open-air markets, covered bazaars, and stores of all descriptions, Turkey is a marvelous place to shop. What better place to start than Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the largest market in the world? Other Istanbul shopping meccas include the Book Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar and the Ortakoy Flea Market. If that’s not enough, every neighborhood in Istanbul has its own open-air market on a specific day of the week.

topHandwoven Carpets and Kilims

The tradition of rug-making in Turkey dates back thousands of years, when nomadic tribes began weaving tents from goat fibers. Istanbul is famous for its hand-knotted carpets and flat-weave kilims with bold tribal designs. The Grand Bazaar has a huge selection, but quality and prices vary, so be sure to shop around.

topFabrics and Textiles

Textiles are available in a range of traditional Turkish and Central Asian styles, including abstract izak designs (the threads are selectively dyed before being woven), oyali scarves edged in delicate embroidery, and suzani block prints from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

topLeather and Suede

Lamb is at the center of Turkish cuisine, which means you’ll find lots of soft leather and suede products made from lamb- and sheepskin. Handbags, jackets, gloves, wallets and more – usually of good craftsmanship and reasonably priced – are sold at the Grand Bazaar and many other places.

topIznik Tile and Ceramics


Turkey has a long tradition of artisan pottery-making. In the 16th century the town of Iznik was renowned for its exquisite pottery, highly decorated with Islamic motifs; tiles and other items in the Iznik style are still very popular. Many other types of ceramics are available, and vary according to where they are made. Canakkale’s red-clay jugs and bowls come in innovative shapes; Kutahya’s pottery features geometric patterns and free-style floral designs.

topInlaid Boxes 


Crafted from various types of wood fitted together to form intricate patterns, inlaid boxes, game boards and other items make interesting and relatively inexpensive souvenirs.

topJewelry

Gold jewelry is sold by weight in the Grand Bazaar – you can also buy silver jewelry and pieces inlaid with precious stones here. When buying silver and gold, look for the maker’s hallmark, certifying that it’s genuine. Delicate mesh strands and long necklaces with animal charms are popular, as are thicker, chunkier pieces from Afghanistan and other Asian countries.

topEvil Eye Beads

Called Nazar Bonjuk, these good-luck charms are said to protect the wearer from the “evil eye” curse by looking back at the one casting the spell. Few people really believe the superstition these days, but it’s a fun tradition (especially for kids) and the charms make a unique souvenir. The best ones are hand-crafted from blown glass.

topBath Products


The tradition of Turkish baths, or hammans, goes back centuries. Many Turkish bathhouses and hotel spas now sell loofahs, natural soaps made with olive oil and herbs, and towels or robes made of luxurious, tightly woven Turkish cotton.

topHerbs and Spices


Istanbul’s Spice Market (also called the Egyptian Bazaar) is one of the city’s oldest. Teeming with people and filled with exotic fragrances, this market sells cumin, cinnamon, saffron, mint and other herbs and spices by the heap. You’ll also find nuts and seeds, dried fruit, tea, jams and other delicacies such as Turkish Delight.

topTurkish Delight

A big hit with the kids, Turkish Delight (also called lokum) is a traditional candy with a soft, jellylike consistency, flavored with rosewater and lemon. It features prominently in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and is a highlight of any visit to the Spice Market.