Turkey Guide
İstanbul
Mısır Carşısı: the spice bazaar
Address: Yeni Cami mosque complex
Opening time: Daily 9am–7pm
The most atmospheric part of the Yeni Cami mosque complex is the Mısır Carşısı, the "Egyptian Bazaar", better known as the spice bazaar because the main bulk of produce on sale has traditionally been spices. Completed a few years before Yeni Cami, the L-shaped bazaar was endowed with customs duties from Cairo (which explains its name); it has 88 vaulted rooms and chambers above the entryways at the ends of the halls. One of these, over the main entrance opposite the ferry ports, now houses the Greek Pandeli restaurant (see Pandeli, p.188).
Despite its name, the range and quality of spices in the bazaar is noticeably feeble and prices are not cheap. Of more interest are the varieties of lokum (Turkish delight) and the many bizarre concoctions being passed off as aphrodisiacs – also available in cheaper shops in the adjacent backstreets. It's also a good place to pick up towels, bed linen and basketware. Outside is a line of shops stocking coffee, dried fruit, spices, and everything you need to set up your own kebab stall.