This is a small bazaar, known in Turkish as Mısır (Egyptian) Bazaar, which is located in Eminönü, right next to the Flower Bazaar. One of the oldest markets of Istanbul, it was built in 1660 by Hatice Turhan Sultan. As the name suggests, the shops have hundreds if not thousands of different spices and different types of food from caviars to pistachios. Much smaller than the Grand Bazaar in size, it is a medium-size bazaar with six different entrances.
Many different herbs from all around the world are sold here. The great part of these products were imported from Egypt, therefore it is also called "Egyptian Bazaar". At the time of its establishment, it served as a 'natural pharmacy'. According to your health problem, sellers offered you a mixture of herbs which could heal you. Still this tradition is alive today. Although there are no big ticket items here, bargaining is always a good idea!
Eminönü is one of the most central districts of Istanbul. It is a 20-minute walk from Sultanahmet. There are buses from all over European Istanbul.
You can also take the ferry from almost all main points of Istanbul such as Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, or Kadıköy and get off at Eminönü port.
If you are interested in spices, lokums (Turkish delights), Turkish sweets and delicacies, food coming from nearby countries, the Spice Market is the right place for you!
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 08:00–19:00. Closed Sundays. Some shops may close earlier on Fridays (prayer day). Best time to visit is weekday mornings (09:30–11:00) before the crowds arrive.
Location: Directly behind the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) at the Eminönü waterfront. Look for the distinctive L-shaped covered market with six gates. The main entrance is across from the ferry docks.
What to buy: Saffron (the most expensive spice), sumac (lemon-flavored spice), dried mint, pul biber (Aleppo pepper flakes), Turkish delight (lokum) in rose, pistachio, pomegranate, and mixed nut varieties, dried fruits (apricots, figs, mulberries), Turkish apple tea and sage tea, pistachios from Gaziantep, and Ottoman herbal tea mixes.
Bargaining tips: Bargaining is expected and part of the culture. Start by offering 50% of the asking price for spices and Turkish delight (higher margin items). For packaged items with fixed prices (many now have price tags), bargaining may not work. Pay in cash for the best price.
Getting there by tram: Take T1 tram to Eminönü stop. The market is directly in front of you as you exit the tram toward the mosque. By ferry: Ferries from Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and Beşiktaş dock directly next to the market.
Built: 1660 by Hatice Turhan Sultan, mother of Sultan Mehmed IV. The market was constructed as part of the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) complex, with rents from the market shops helping to maintain the mosque.
Original purpose: The market was designed to sell goods imported from Egypt (hence "Egyptian Bazaar", Misir Carsisi in Turkish) via the Spice Road, including spices, medicines, herbs, and other exotic products from Asia and Africa.
Architecture: The market is an L-shaped building with 88 rooms (shops) and 6 gates. The interior is covered with arches and domes, and original tilework can still be seen on some walls. The market was restored in 1940 and again in the early 2000s.
Traditional uses: In addition to spices, the bazaar sold "herbal pharmacies", remedies for headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, and other ailments. Some shops still sell traditional remedies today.
Essential Turkish spices to take home: Pul biber (coarse red pepper flakes), isot (dark Urfa pepper, a local favorite), sumac (lemony spice for salads and kebabs), Turkish oregano (kekik), and mahlep (gound cherry seeds for baking).
Turkish delight varieties: Rose (gül), lemon, pistachio (fıstıklı), walnut (cevizli), pomegranate (nar), double roasted (double roasted pistachio covered in coconut). Avoid bright, neon-colored artificial lokum.
Nuts & snacks: Kuru incir (dried figs from İzmir), kayısı (dried apricots from Malatya), Antep fıstığı (pistachios from Gaziantep), leblebi (roasted chickpeas).
Teas: Turkish apple tea (elma çayı, sweet and fruity), sage tea (adaçayı, good for colds), ıhlamur (linden tea, calming), Turkish black tea.
One-hour Spice Market visit: Enter from the main ferry-side entrance → browse the first 3-4 spice shops (take photos, smell, taste samples) → walk to the back of the L → find cheaper shops in the back corner → buy Turkish delight and spices → exit the back gate and explore Tahtakale’s surrounding streets for dried fruit and nuts → return to the market for final purchases → exit toward Yeni Cami for photos.