Arasta Bazaar (Arasta Bazaar)

One of the oldest bazaars in Istanbul is the Arasta Market, built near and at the same time as the Blue Mosque on the old ruins of the palace of Byzantine emperors. Near the market there is a museum, the main exhibits of which are mosaics from the floor of one of the halls of this palace. The mosaics were discovered in the 30s of the last century during excavations in the vicinity of the market. This market is also called "Sipahiler", which translates as Ottoman cavalry. This is due to the fact that in the Ottoman period, equipment for horses and stables was sold here.

Arasta Bazaar was destroyed in a fire in 1912, and until the 1980s the place was occupied by the slums of local residents. After their demolition, the market was completely restored, and today it is one of the main bazaars of Istanbul. It is especially interesting for tourists - there are many souvenirs, memorable gifts, carpets and kilims, tiles made of steel, Turkish clothes and much more. The market is a narrow street, on both sides of which there are about 70 shops and shops. Arasta Bazaar is a great place for tourists shopping, as well as an opportunity to avoid the noise and tremors of the Grand Bazaar.

The market directly in the centre can be visited by stopping at T1 Sultanahmet or at the Cankurtaran commuter train stop.