Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) Istanbul, Turkey

The Spice Bazaar is the second largest covered market, after the Grand Bazaar, in Istanbul.  The building was given to the Foundation of the Yeni Mosque with the intention that the rent from the shops would help pay for the upkeep of the Mosque.  It is also called Mısır Çarşısı because it was built with money from Egypt.  The dates 1597 to 1664 shown on the sign at the entrance shows the time period when the building was constructed.  Chief court architect Koca Kasım Ağa designed the building and the architect Mustafa completed the project.

This is the main entrance to the Spice Bazaar, which faces the Yeni Mosque.

All Images Copyright 2000-2012 Janice Parr

Another one of the ornate water fountains to be found around Istanbul.

There are 88 small vaulted rooms, in an L shape, which make up the Spice Market.

Here you can see one of the many shops selling a large selection of lokum (Turkish Delight), nuts and dried fruits.

All Images Copyright 2000-2012 Janice Parr

Here you can see the classic pyramids of herbs and spices.  As well as admiring the colours and displays of the shops the other thing you really notice is the intoxicating smells of the herbs and spices.

The shop keepers love to have their photos taken, as long as you don't mind listening to their banter.

Here you can see a large selection of dried fruit and nuts.

All Images Copyright 2000-2012 Janice Parr

Choose your lampshade, any colour, any pattern, any shape, any size, how do you choose?

All Images Copyright 2000-2012 Janice Parr