The Spice Bazaar was built in 1664 as part of the New Mosque complex, and its rents were designed to fund the mosque and its charities. The Turkish name, Misir Carsisi, refers to Egypt because the customs revenue that paid for it came from Cairo.
Under the L-shaped vault there are around eighty shops selling saffron, sumac, dried fruit, nuts, Turkish delight and blended teas. Several of the older firms have been in the same family for generations and will vacuum-pack whatever you buy.
It opens at eight and closes at half past seven. Prices are higher than the wholesale streets behind it but the quality is reliable and the sellers speak several languages.
From Hotel Sultania it is a walk of about twelve minutes downhill towards the water.
Category:
Shopping