The Egyptian Spice Bazaar, on the shore of the Golden Horn tributary of Istanbul, is one of the largest and most famous covered markets in Türkiye. It specializes in spices and is also called the Egyptian Bazaar because it was funded by money from Egypt while it was under the Ottoman Empire’s control.
The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is in an L-shaped building with a high vaulted ceiling and six doors. Inside are 85 shops on both sides of a central hallway. At the Spice Bazaar, you can shop for
- Turkish Delight (Turkish: Lokum), a candy made with rosewater and a variety of ingredients
- Spices, herbs, seeds, roots, and nuts
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Coffee and tea
- Jewelry and souvenirs.
There are also good Turkish restaurants inside the Spice Bazaar.
History of the Egyptian Spice Bazaar
The Egyptian Spice Bazaar of Istanbul was first built during the reign of Sultana Turhan Hatice (1660—1665) after a great fire in 1660 destroyed many parts of Istanbul. Sultana Turhan Hatice was the Valide Sultan and regent of the young Mehmet IV (1648—1697) until he took the throne. The Spice Bazaar was built simultaneously with the nearby Valide Sultan Mosque (now called the Yeni Mosque or New Mosque). It was part of a Külliye, a support activity for the mosque.
The Spice Bazaar was renovated by the municipality from 1940 to 1943, and this is the building we see today.
Where is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar in Istanbul?
The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is in the Eminönü neighborhood of the Fatih District of Istanbul, on the waterfront near the ferry dock of the south shore of the Golden Horn tributary. It is directly across from the southern end of the Galata Köprüsü (bridge).
For the large Google custom map, click here.
How to Go to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar
From the Sultanahmet neighborhood, where the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and other main tourism sites are, you can take the tram going north on the main Alemdar Caddesi (street) and get off at the Eminönü tram stop. Use the pedestrian crossing tunnel to get to the north side of the street.
You can also walk there using the same route. For a shorter route, use Google Maps. It will display a couple of routes that cut through the back streets. It is around a 17-minute walk.
My Recommendation
If you visit the Grand Covered Bazaar, then walk north behind the Bazaar and make your way down the hill through the Bazaar District to the Golden Horn Tributary and the Galata Bridge. When you get to the bottom of the hill, you will see the Spice Bazaar.
Visiting Hours
The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM except for national and religious holidays.
Ken Grubb
I’m a retired US government investigator and adjunct instructor for the University of Maryland. I’ve lived in Türkiye for more than twenty years. I love learning about and investigating Türkiye’s ancient Christian sites. My archaeologist friends tell me my old job is a lot like theirs!
