10 Things To Buy In Istanbul

At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul has long been an important trading hub, and a world-renowned handicraft tradition grew up in the area thanks to Ottoman patronage and an eye for luxury that drew on influences from across the globe. Today, shopping in Istanbul is as much a cultural experience as it is about acquiring one-of-a-kind souvenirs. For most things, the Grand Bazaar is the place to go. The covered market is more than 550 years old and is rumored to have as many as 4,000 shops along its dozens of crowded streets. Whether you’re window-shopping and comparing prices or just soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying a traditional Turkish tea, the bazaar is one of Istanbul’s sightseeing highlights and a fascinating convergence of the modern and the ancient city. From handwoven rugs and hand-carved pipes to exotic spices and Iznik pottery, here are 10 of Istanbul’s best offerings. —Abbey Chase