World’s oldest and largest closed market is in the center of Istanbul. Like a giant labyrinth with 60 narrow streets and over 3000 shops, Grand Bazaar is a must-see place in Istanbul. This site, which looks like a city itself is totally covered and has developed in time. The surrounding of two buildings with thick walls and dome from the 15th century became a shopping center by closing the top of the streets and making additions in the following centuries.
It is a popular tourism attraction and an important trade center in Istanbul. There are things for every budget and likes in Grand Bazaar. It is a place with many shops, commercial buildings, workplaces, restaurants, coffee shops and mosques.
Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror made Grand Bazaar built. 1461 when the construction of Grand Bazaar started is accepted as the year of its foundation. But it was Suleyman the Magnificent who made the main large bazaar built in wood. Such valuables as the jewelries, diamonds, furs and jeweled guns of the rich of the older times as well as the large part of the state treasury used to be kept in safe in these places. Evliya Çelebi described this place as a very strong fortress.