Egyptian Bazaar / Spice Market -Istanbul

What Turkish Spices Are In The Spice Bazaar?

Almost every spice you can imagine will be stacked before your eyes. It will be fun to return to your home with one of the most loved Turkish delicacies.

Sumac 

This chestnut or burgundy color spice is made from the fruits of the wild Rhus Coriaria shrub. It has a citric sourness caused by the malic acid in it. Use it in salad dressings instead of lemon, or mix it with some olive oil and steamed fresh vegetables and you'll find it tastes delicious.

Chilli Powder (Pul Biber)

Dried red pepper flakes are a mainstay of Turkish cooking and are available in most Turkish restaurants for your extra addition, along with salt. It can be bitter to varying degrees, so it's best to taste it before you buy it and beware of Şanlıurfa's heady hotness: İsot Biber. Sprinkle with thyme on casseroles or grilled meats.

Pomegranate Sour 

Pomegranate syrup, viscous pomegranate syrup, which is obtained by boiling its fruit, is another sine qua non of Turkish cuisine. Use it instead of pickles or balsamic vinegar on fish or chicken meat to sharpen a salad.

Black Cumin 

Nigella seeds Known as Nigella seeds in English, this name literally means "nigella sativa". If you follow Turkish recipes, try sprinkling it on bread, cakes, or savory pastries just before baking.

Saffron 

Saffron may look like a piece of string if it comes from Safranbolu, in fact, it is not ordinary saffron, but dried safflower with little color or flavor. For real saffron, try to find Persian Saffron or Safranbolu saffron; but beware of paying much more.

In addition to spices, bud, jasmine, and fruit teas; Turkish delight in every color and flavor; herbal medicines; dried fruits such as apricots, figs, dates, and even strawberries and kiwis; honey and walnut baklava; olive oil soaps; Turkish coffee, and much more.

A trip to Istanbul would not be complete without visiting the Spice Bazaar with its oriental atmosphere. As Istanbul's busiest spice market, it welcomes thousands of visitors every day. The unique products offered, the flavors you can taste, the most beautiful scents you will be enchanted with, and beautiful souvenirs, each of which is considered a work of art, are all waiting for you in the Egyptian Bazaar. As soon as you enter the L-shaped Egyptian bazaar, you immediately smell hundreds of spices at reasonable prices. While the stalls in the bazaar initially had only spices, caviar, and herbs, edible products such as nuts, honeycomb honey, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and vegetables were added over the years. Outside the Spice Bazaar, you can find cheese varieties, and smoked or dried beef (pastirma).

Today, there are more than 100 shops. The main entrance to the bazaar is provided by a high brick arch in the pigeon-infested square next to the Yeni Mosque in Eminönü.

The History And Name Of The Egyptian Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar was known by 17th-century chroniclers as "New Bazaar" and "Valide Carsisi". However, since the goods sold in the shops here are mostly goods and spices from Egypt, it is seen that it started to be called the "Egyptian Bazaar" in the middle of the 18th century. The name Spice Bazaar was used more than the other names of the building, and foreign travelers also mentioned the building as "Egyptian Bazaar" in their travel books.

Although it was first established by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1461, the Spice bazaar was rebuilt by Sultan Suleiman.

Where İs Egyptian Bazaar?

Egyptian Bazaar is located in Eminonu, just across the Galata bridge, next to the New Mosque. The Bazaar, built-in-directional way. 

How To Go To Spice Bazaar?

Tram: Take the Bağcılar- Kabataş tram line to get to Mısırşısı, which is right next to the Flower Market in Eminönü, after getting off at Eminönü.

Ferry: You can reach Eminönü by using the ferryboats and motorboats departing from Üsküdar, Kadıköy, and Bostancı.

Bus: You can reach the Spice Bazaar by using all public buses and IETT buses going to Eminönü and Beyazıt.

Egyptian Bazaar Visiting Days and Hours

The Egyptian market is open every day from 8:00 to 19:30. Except on Sunday from 9:30 to 19:00. The market is closed during religious and republican holidays.