Shopping in Istanbul is enough to enchant anyone - even someone like me who hates window shopping. The winding roads of the bazaars leading one into another, vibrant colors, sounds and rich smells transport you straight to the middle pages of Scheherazade's tales.
The prices need to be bargained over and it's all a mater of skill how much (or how little) you pay. An old saying assures you that you can find anything in a Turkish bazaar. Be sure to test that theory and be pleasantly surprised.
From antiques to a throbbing garment industry (with quite a few fakes of good quality), silks, a wonder stone called Meerschaum, handmade carpets, leather apparel and even wood inlaid work, every piece you find in Istanbul is art.
Another thing that is exciting to me is the thought of finding and pouring over old books, maps and prints, smelling their old smell, feeling their yellowing pages, looking for lost secrets - Istanbul markets have a great selection.
You should definitely stop by the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian market and the flea market in Beyazit Square and on a day that you feel like a lark, just a watcher, wander by a 'pazar' and enjoy the sights of a temporary market selling fresh fruits and vegetables. (and finding in the midst of them a fake Armani!)
Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com
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