History of the Mısır Çarşısı
The word bazaar has passed into our language from Persian. It is the word formed by the combination of the words four and road in Persian and means the area where the shops are located in the city center. As can be understood from the explanation of the word, it is the name given to the areas where the shops are located at some time. Over time, the name of the shops gathered in a large and closed space began to be called bazaar. Unlike shopping malls, which have become popular all over the world and are almost identical to each other, bazaars are unique and smell of history.
“History of the Mısır Çarşısı“
One of the most valuable of these bazaars is undoubtedly the historic Egyptian Bazaar in Istanbul. Known worldwide as Egyptian Bazaar, it has a deep-rooted history and is like a culture in itself… One of the oldest bazaars in Istanbul, the Egyptian Bazaar was built right next to the New Mosque complex as an annex to it. The reason why the Mısır Çarşısı was built together with the mosque was to ensure that the bazaar would bring income to the New Mosque. The construction, which started in 1597 in the Ottoman Period upon the request of Safiye Sultan, took quite a long time. The construction of the bazaar, which started during the reign of Murat III, was completed as a result of Hatice Turhan Sultan’s instructions. Hatice Turhan Sultan was the mother of Mehmet IV. After 67 years of construction, the Egyptian Bazaar was opened between 1663-1664. The bazaar, which was started to meet the expenses of the New Mosque, is today the capital of the spice trade… When it was first opened, the bazaar was known as the New Bazaar. It is no coincidence that the bazaar, which was once called Valide Bazaar, got its current name… Since it was built with the taxes collected from Cairo, the name of the area became Egyptian Bazaar over time. The bazaar, which is still known by the same name today, is very famous not only in our country but also around the world.
Architecture of the Mısır Çarşısı
We can say that its architecture is very important along with its history. The Mısır Çarşısı has the feature of being a “Double Bazaar” since it consists of the combination of two bazaars. Built according to the “L” shaped plan, the Mısır Çarşısı has six gates. Its structural feature is the Ottoman Classical style. Some domes on the upper part of the bazaar add a unique spirit to the building. The building has been destroyed by fire twice and restored. The most important of these restorations was the renovation work carried out by the Istanbul Municipality after the fire in 1940. The bazaar, which was improved over time, eventually took the form we know today.
The Heart of Spice Trade Beats in the Mısır Çarşısı since 1964
Today the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul, the Mısır Çarşısı was initially filled with herbalists and cotton shops. Gradually the number of shops increased and it became the main center of the spice trade. A magical smell welcomes you even before you enter the Mısır Çarşısı. It has a richness far beyond the smell you feel when you enter these herbalist shops. Smells are one of the elements that make the past and memories most vivid in the memory. The Mısır Çarşısı accomplishes this with its unique scent. The bazaar literally smells of history, not meaningfully… It would be correct to say that there is almost no spice you cannot find in it. The mixed smell of dried herbs and spices almost writes the story of the bazaar. The colorful images of the spices are as eye-catching as their smells. If you want to try new things among countless products that will make you feel like you are in the land of spices, you are in the right place. The Egyptian Bazaar, where you can also find the roots and dried forms of herbs that are a source of healing, is not limited to these… If you visit the Egyptian Bazaar, you should take a look at the colorful Turkish delights along with the spices. In the historical bazaar, you can find and try many kinds of Turkish delight that reflect our culture.
In addition, there is another element that complements the mystical atmosphere of the Egyptian Bazaar blended with its architecture and spices… There are many souvenirs in the Egyptian Bazaar in accordance with the orientalist atmosphere that will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. Authentic themed products carry the reflections of the Ottoman period and you can buy souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones here. Most of the products are handcrafted using old techniques. You can find many nostalgic items from copper pans, teapots, coffee pots, which are an important part of our culture, to tiles, glass products, gas lamps. The most famous of these products must be the lamps made with glass mosaic. You can also find glass mosaic lamps that will add color to your home with their very authentic appearance in the Mısır Çarşısı. In short, you will feel the history in the architecture, smell, taste and products of this bazaar.
