Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar welcomes up to 60,000 visitors a day

Turkey

Nearly 400-year-old marketplace remains a thriving centre of trade, culture and tourism

Almost four centuries after its construction during the Ottoman era, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar continues to play a central role in the city’s commercial and cultural life. Welcoming between 50,000 and 60,000 visitors each day, the historic marketplace attracts both international and domestic travellers while preserving centuries-old trading traditions.

Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, the market earned its name because spices and goods from Asia reached Istanbul via Egypt before being distributed throughout the Ottoman Empire.

“This place is not just a building made of bricks and stones but an important center showcasing our history and culture, and carrying them beyond Istanbul’s borders,” said Fehmi Yılmaz, Professor of History at Marmara University.

According to Yılmaz, historical records show the bazaar originally served as a major distribution centre where imported spices were allocated among merchants before being shipped across Anatolia and Rumelia.

Living heritage with multi-generational businesses

Today, the Spice Bazaar is home to around 120 shops, with approximately 80% of its retail space dedicated to regional nuts, herbs and exotic spices. Many of the businesses have been passed down through generations, preserving traditional family ownership while serving a global customer base.

“The bazaar is a crossroads — it’s a street, a culture, and a way of life, and it’s a place where people from many different nations gather, where one may meet anyone here,” said Sami Koyuncu, President of the merchant association Mısır Çarşısı 1664.

The market operates seven days a week and supports significant local employment. Each shop employs an average of seven to eight staff members, many of whom speak several languages to assist international visitors.

A marketplace and showcase for regional products

Beyond its commercial role, the bazaar promotes Türkiye’s regional specialities, allowing visitors to discover products such as pistachios from Gaziantep and Siirt alongside spices and delicacies from around the world.

“People can find items and products here that aren’t found in local markets or other stores,” Koyuncu said. “The bazaar offers products from all over the world. The newest merchants here have been in business for 20 to 25 years, as these stores are passed down from father to son, spanning generations.”

Historic architecture meets modern tourism

The Spice Bazaar survived a major fire in 1940 before reopening after restoration in 1943. A comprehensive renovation completed in 2018 modernised the complex while preserving its 17th-century architectural character.

The market also supports the surrounding neighbourhood by generating business for nearby textile shops, bead merchants and traditional restaurants.

According to Koyuncu, the bazaar continues to attract large numbers of visitors from Spain, Greece and Latin America. While recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have slightly affected regional tourism, major holidays such as Ramadan and Eid al-Adha continue to bring strong increases in both domestic and international visitor numbers.