Mahmutpasa Bazaar/ Mahmut Pasha Slope: Most Affordable Shopping Destination Istanbul

The Mahmutpasa Bazaar, spanning more than 250 shops on both sides of its characteristic sloping road, stands out as Istanbul's most bustling marketplace. Visitors can explore the mosque, bath, and hostel built by Mahmud Pasha, and even visit his tomb at the Mahmut Pasa Mosque. This locale is renowned for its crowded ambiance and historical significance, making it a must-visit for those wanting to experience the vibrancy of Istanbul's market culture.

Explore the Diverse Retail Outlets of Mahmudpasha Bazaar

A Guide to Mahmutpasa Bazaar: Uncover the Best Spots for Baby Clothing in Istanbul

The historical Mahmutpasa Bazaar, starting from the Mahmutpasa Gate of the Grand Bazaar and curving slightly to end at Vasıf Çınar Street in Tahtakale, is the go-to destination for baby clothing and veiling. The main street of the bazaar is lined with shops offering a wide array of items, from clothing and dowry items to circumcision and school supplies, all housed within irregularly built, sometimes dilapidated structures. Following its renovation in the early 2000s, the bazaar's cobblestone-paved streets are closed to vehicle traffic during the day, ensuring a pedestrian-friendly shopping experience. The bazaar is also home to numerous historical buildings, including the Mahmutpaşa Mosque, Mahmutpasa Bath, and various Hans and masjids, offering a rich blend of shopping and cultural exploration.

Discover the Hidden Gems of Mahmut Pasha Bazaar: A Shopper's Paradise in Istanbul 

Adjacent to the Grand Bazaar, Mahmut Pasha Bazaar serves as a gateway to a plethora of popular destinations including Kurkcu Han, Tahtakale, Hasırcılar Street, Spice Bazaar, and finally, the New Mosque (Yeni Camii). Shoppers should be prepared to navigate through persistent fielders, individuals seeking to guide customers to specific shops in exchange for a commission. Depending on your company, these fielders may direct you towards stores specializing in circumcision clothing, dowry items, evening dresses, wedding dresses, or overcoats. Embrace the lively atmosphere and unique shopping experience that Mahmut Pasha Bazaar has to offer, and discover the myriad of treasures waiting to be found.

Kurkcu Han stands out as a highly recommended destination for those looking to purchase textile products for their homes or prepare a dowry. Situated at the end of Mahmutpasa slope, this marketplace continues to offer a variety of shops and streets where you can explore an array of products, including home textiles, furnishings, garments, and pilgrim materials, all the way up to the Spice Bazaar. The Mahmutpasa Bath, a historic structure built between 1466-1467 and now serving as a bazaar, is also part of this intriguing complex. Discover the rich heritage and diverse shopping opportunities that Kurkcu Han has to offer.

Exploring the Vastness of Hurriyet Bazaar in Mahmut Pasa: Hurriyet Bazaar, a sprawling multi-story marketplace, offers a plethora of shopping options ranging from dowry items, towels, and lingerie, to evening dresses and accessories suited for special occasions like engagements, henna nights, and weddings. Dive into the bustling atmosphere of this expansive bazaar and find everything you need for your celebratory events and household necessities.

A Glimpse into History: Büyük Yeni Han (Great New Hostelry): Constructed in the 18th century by architect Taher Agha under the reign of Sultan Mustafa Sultan III, Büyük Yeni Han once served as a vital hub for merchants and their animals. The inn features a unique section specifically designed for the accommodation of animals, reflecting its historical function. During the occupation of Istanbul, it even served as the central base for bankers. Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of Büyük Yeni Han, a significant landmark in Istanbul's heritage.

Navigating to Büyük Valide Han: A Journey to Stunning Views: Ascending Cakmakcılar slope, you'll find Büyük Valide Han to your right. A short walk and a climb up the stairs on your left will lead you through a long corridor inside the inn, potentially culminating in access to a rooftop view, provided it is not restricted. Prepare yourself for a breathtaking panorama of the city, capturing the essence of Istanbul from a unique and elevated perspective

The Grand Mother Hostelry, or Büyük Valide Han, stands as a remarkable historical edifice, built in 1635 under the patronage of Sultan Kasim, the wife of Sultan Ahmed I and mother of Sultan Murad. Renowned as one of the wealthiest and most influential women of the Ottoman Empire, her legacy is encapsulated in this grand hostelry, which houses over 200 rooms. Notably, Büyük Valide Han is recognized for hosting the first Armenian printing press in the Ottoman Empire in 1567, predating the establishment of the first Turkish printing press in 1728. The site has also graced the silver screen, featuring in movies like "Skyfall" and "The Water Diviner." Visitors can ascend to the rooftop to indulge in panoramic views of Istanbul, encompassing landmarks such as the Nur Osmaniye Mosque, Golden Horn, Galata Tower, Maiden Tower, Egyptian Bazaar, New Mosque (Yeni Camii), and the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque, amidst a tapestry of historic splendor.

Unraveling the Treasures of Mahmutpasa Bazaar: A Shopper's Paradise: Mahmutpasa Bazaar holds a cherished place as one of Istanbul's oldest and most vibrant shopping destinations. Traditionally associated with wedding and dowry shopping, it continues to uphold these cultural practices, drawing in crowds eager to partake in its rich shopping tradition. From gold shopping in the Grand Bazaar to finding the perfect wedding gown or engagement trousseau in Mahmutpasa, this market is steeped in memories and tradition, offering an authentic shopping experience.

The Lively and Historic Mahmut Pasa District: The Mahmut Pasa market remains a bustling hub of activity and a go-to destination for Turkish goods, ranging from stylish outerwear and men's suits to traditional Ottoman children's clothing. Opening in the early morning hours, the market extends from Mahmut Pasa to the Egyptian Bazaar, offering a visual feast for both locals and tourists alike. Dive into the heart of Istanbul's commerce and culture, and discover why Mahmut Pasa District continues to captivate the imaginations of visitors from around the world.

Discovering Hidden Gems in Eminonu: Rustem Pasa School and Beyond: As you wander through the Mahmut Pasa District, take a moment to explore Rustem Pasa School, a historic site that has since been transformed into a museum. The school holds a special connection to the Ottoman royalty, being associated with Rustem Pasha and Sultan Maryam, daughter of Sultan Suleiman. In addition, the district is home to a monument crafted by two prominent artists of the sixteenth century, further enriching the cultural tapestry of Eminonu. Explore these hidden gems and immerse yourself in the intriguing history and artistry of this fascinating area.

Venture to the end of Hasırcılar Street and discover a treasure trove of copper products showcased in various shops. Delve into the side streets for additional finds, such as Çanakcılar Street, renowned for its extensive range of copper items. For those keen on purchasing unique copper ornaments, a visit to Bakırcılar Bazaar in Beyazıt is a must. Recognized as the principal hub for copper production, you can easily locate it below the central building of Istanbul University, with locals readily directing you to this artisanal hotspot.

The Vibrant Hasırcılar Bazaar: A Basket Lover’s Dream: Continuing from Hasırcılar Street towards the Mercan exit leads you to Kutucular Street, a vibrant marketplace brimming with baskets of all shapes and sizes. The majority of the shops, including those in Sepetciler Bazaar, remain open even on Sundays, offering ample opportunity for visitors to explore and purchase these woven wonders.

The Cheesecloth Bazaar of Mahmutpasa: A Textile Haven: Cakmakcılar Slope, located in Mahmutpasa, is a bustling hub for textile enthusiasts, offering a plethora of scarves, shawls, and other fabric goods. Predominantly serving wholesale buyers, the historical scribe's bazaar on this slope is home to numerous cheesecloth sellers. While most shops cater to bulk purchases, a select few also accommodate retail customers.

Location: Cakmakcılar Slope, No:66

Zaza Han: The Ultimate Destination for Hairdressing and Cosmetics Supplies: When it comes to sourcing professional hairdressing supplies, makeup materials, and hair care products, Zaza Han stands out as the premier destination. This marketplace is renowned for its extensive range of beauty and personal care items, catering to both professionals in the industry and individual customers.

Location: Tahtakale Street, No:40, Eminonu