The Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market

Headed to the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) which is, as our guide book laid out, one of the largest covered markets in the world, with over 4000 shops, several banks, police stations, mosques and could be a city within itself. It is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.

Apparently you could get lost for hours, we managed to get lost and wander directly out of the bazaar...don't ask how! Got an idea of what was there...some beautiful handcrafted things but also dozens of streets hawking made in China clothes which came in bales which we saw old men lugging on their backs. Predominantly out of the clothes shops they sold head scarves, long skirts and these strange little suits for kids that looked like something a sultan would wear (they were white and gold, with tons of glitter and embellishments, often with a turban and feather) I did not get a picture but I will mission there again to procure one!

Went to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and bought spices to make Chai. The last photo above I think sums Turkey up quite nicely...Polis sign (cops are everywhere with those daunting automatic weaponry), backgammon and chess (at every cafe where men enjoy hookah and drink turkish tea) and pictures of the Atatürk whom is the adoration of every good citizen (I will do a follow up post about the Ataturk and why Youtube is restricted!).

Good Night! DDDDDelilah