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Spice Bazaar - Spice Bazaar Misir Carsisi

Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

The Spice Bazaar, also known as Misir Carsisi, was built in the 17th century to provide tax money for the maintenance of a nearby mosque, the Yeni Camii. The Spice Bazaar is the second largest covered shopping complex, after the Grand Bazaar, and one of the oldest in Istanbul. The market is often called the Egyptian Market because spices from India and Southeast Asia were transported through Egypt via the Silk Road.

The Spice Bazaar is located in the heart of Istanbul, it is connected to the Grand Bazaar by a maze of narrow streets and is only a short walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia.

The market is home to a great source of fresh spices, nuts, honeycomb, Turkish spices, dried figs, caviar and Turkish hard cheeses. Strolling through the market is an exciting feeling when admiring the piles of spices packed in hessian bags filled with shops or feeling the intense scent of cardamom, chili, cinnamon, cloves, etc. turmeric, saffron, and countless other spices you've probably never heard of.

The Spice Bazaar was built in 1664 as an extension of the New Mosque complex (Yeni Camii), and its revenue has helped support the maintenance of the mosque and its charitable facilities. it's like schools, hospitals and some public baths.

The market is called Mısır Çarşısı (literally translated as Egyptian Market) because the story goes that it was built with money paid from Egyptian import taxes. The annual Cairo caravan brings spices from Egypt, India and China as Istanbul is on the trade route between the East and Europe, known as the "silk road". silk"

The main entrance to the Spice Bazaar is through a high brick arch over the pigeon square next to the New Mosque in Eminönü.

When entering the L-shaped market, you will immediately recognize the overwhelming scent coming from hundreds of spices on sale. Where market stalls initially stocked only spices (baharat) and herbs, over the years other foods were added, such as nuts (kuruyemiş), honeycomb (petekbal), Turkish spices (lokum), dried fruits and vegetables (kuru meyve ve sebze), Turkish hard cheeses (eski kaşar), caviar and smoked or dried beef (pastarma).

Today, a sizable number of the more than 90 shops no longer sell spices, but instead offer typical travel accessories such as low-quality scarves, children's wear and souvenirs. .

Outside, west of the market, you'll find more stalls with fresh food. If you are a coffee connoisseur, don't forget to visit Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi. This popular cafe has been supplying locals with their own branded coffee beans for over 100 years.

It's a fact that the Spice Bazaar is becoming a tourist trap, with jewelry souvenirs popping up among the local produce, but there's still much to be had for the more discerning and gourmet traveler. Honey is a particular favorite, and you will find medicines, herbal remedies and spices with wonderful aromas. The market is also known as the olfactory paradise that any visitor wants to visit at least once during their stay in Istanbul.

The market is open daily from 08:00 - 19:30

Closed on October 29 and other religious holidays.

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