Strolling among the stalls of the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is a delight for the senses, especially for taste and smell. And therefore, it is one of the most visited places by tourists, as a complement or alternative to the Grand Bazaar, which we talked about in another post. In this post we tell you about its origin and history, where it is located and, above all, what you can buy in it.
Origin, history and location of Spice Bazaar
Istanbul’ s Spice Bazaar is located in front of the Eminonu ferry dock, very close to the Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn. Don’t look for it by this name or its Turkish equivalent: locals know it as Misir Çarsisi, which means “Egyptian market”. This is because it was originally financed by taxes levied on goods arriving from that country, which was part of the Ottoman Empire.
We are talking about the 17th century, when this market was created. It was of capital importance, both locally and internationally. Locally, because its objective was, through the rents from the rental of its stalls, to provide economic funds to the New Mosque, to which it was attached from the beginning. And internationally, because it was a hub for the important spice route from China, Persia and India.
What to buy in the Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar is more than its name suggests: not only spices are sold, but also other products, especially gastronomic. Here is a small selection of what you can buy, either as a souvenir to bring home or to taste on the spot.
#1. Especias
The first place in this list must be occupied, of course, by spices and aromatic herbs. The number of varieties sold here is unimaginably rich, and only great experts will be able to identify them all. In any case, among the most significant are: Iranian saffron, hot red pepper, cinnamon, thyme, cumin, masala tea, mint tea… and a very long etcetera. But beyond that, what really captivates in these stalls is the fact that they are sold in bulk, by weight, which allows them to be very close, almost at hand, with what that means for the eye and, above all, for the sense of smell. You could stroll through the bazaar with your eyes closed and enjoy it as much or more than with your eyes open!
#2. Café
It is another of Turkey’s iconic products and, as such, could not be missing in the Spice Bazaar. In fact, here is installed the considered the main supplier of coffee in the city, Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, where bags are sold from 50 grams to 1 kg.
#3. Lokum or Turkish Delight
The lokum, often translated as Turkish delight, are traditional Turkish sweets, characterized by their small size, extreme sweetness and soft texture, like a jelly bean. This is because they are made from gelatin and syrup, to which can be added honey, fruit juice, fine flour, powdered sugar and pieces of nuts, among others.
#4. Productos de otras regiones
Nowadays, the Spice Bazaar has also become a magnificent showcase for gastronomic products from other regions of Turkey, both fresh and packaged. It is worth mentioning, among many others, the cheeses, such as the Mihaliç type (Balikesir and Bursa, with a spicy and salty touch) or the Kelle cheese (similar to the classic Parmesan). Olive oil is also remarkable, coming from areas with a more Mediterranean climate.
