Spice Bazaar also known as Egyptian Market (Mısır Çarşısı in Turkish) is one of the famous and oldest bazaars in all over the world. It is also a tourist attraction due to its historical background and architectural structure. There are products sold such as various spices, Turkish delights, herbal teas, dried fruits, exotic oils, jewelry, perfumes, souvenirs, fabrics, baklava, nuts and so on. You will definitely like to discover Spice Bazaar if you are interested in different flavors!

The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul was built in the 1660s as a part of the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) structure next to Eminonu harbor. In its history, The Spice Bazaar underwent two big fires and it was designed as L-shaped after the restorations. The Spice Bazaar is one of oldest and busiest marketplaces of the city where the historic Silk Road joined the Spice Route. The bazaar was once named as Yeni Çarşı or Valide Çarşı, later it was named as the Egyptian Bazaar as many of the products and spices were imported from Egypt at that time.

If you would like to discover traditional Turkish flavors, you may look for some traditional spices such as sumac (sumak), dried red pepper flakes (pul biber), isot (Urfa biber as hot pepper flakes), dried thyme (kekik) or pomegranate concentrate used in salad dressings (nar ekşisi). All the prices are in TL, Euro or Dollar, so you will not have difficulty while buying something. For desserts, you should definitely taste famous baklava in well-known shops such as Güllüoğlu and Hacı Bekir which are close to The Spice Bazaar. If you are a coffee lover, then do not forget to visit the famous coffee supplier, Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi located on the corner of Hasırcılar Caddesi (avenue) which was established over hundred years ago! You will be impressed by the smell of Turkish Coffee!

The transportation to The Spice Bazaar is easy. You can reach the area by taking the ferry or tram to Eminonu, then passing the New Mosque (Yeni Camii). The Spice Bazaar will welcome you with its fragrance of the exotic East!