Shopping is indeed fun, especially when you are in a foreign city or country, strolling through the marketplaces and discovering things you possibly won’t find back at home. Shopping in Turkey is surely the best thing you can do while you are exploring the vibrant streets of the country. Bazaars are quite famous among locals and tourists, where one can find an exclusive collection of home décor, accessories, and more. With the best price and lively ambiance, you can find the best Souks or malls, and markets for truly unique shopping in the country.
Top Things to Buy in Turkey As Souvenirs From The Famous Bazaars
Shopping lists can be long but when you are in Turkey, you probably won’t need one. The distinct collection of exclusive and authentic handicrafts and handlooms is too perfect to be on your list. So, if you’re wondering what to buy in Turkey, then we have picked some best items you can buy from the famous Souks and Bazar in Turkey as a memory for your most happening holiday.
- Turkish Blue Evil Eye Amulet
- Turkish Lamps
- Rugs and Carpets
- Tea and Tea mugs
- Ceramic Collections
- Spices
- Hammam accessories
- Antiques and Ornaments
1. Turkish Blue Evil Eye Amulet: Local Markets and Souks
The blue evil Eye or Nazar Boncuk is very common in Turkey and can be found in every market and store. It is believed that these Amulets can bring good luck and protect one from any misfortunes. With blue colors, these amulets can be worn as a bracelet, or pendant, and can be hung in cars, homes, or offices. The varied size and materials of these amulets can be an ideal pick you can get while shopping in Turkey for your family and friends, or for yourself. The spiritual meaning and the cool casual look are something that will suit everyone.
Where to Buy Blue Evil Eye in Turkey:
The blue eye Amulet is easy to find in Turkey at every shop or market (bazaar). The local shops, malls, and even gift shops sell these exclusive and authentic souvenirs in Turkey. The Grand Bazaar, Beyoglu El Sanatlari Evi, Divan Bazaar are some of the most famous Bazaars in Turkey selling these precious souvenirs in the country. There are 3000 stores at the Grand Bazaar which makes it a perfect place to buy these blue evil Eyes or Nazar Boncuk.
2. Turkish Mosaic Lamps: The Kapali Carsi
The Turkish Mosaic Lamps can be the best thing you can buy while shopping in Istanbul, Turkey. The colorful mosaic art on the lamps makes it perfect for every household, adding a touch of luxury and authenticity to the décor. The artistic design of these lamps not only enhances and illuminates the surroundings but they look delightful enough to be your home accessory at any festivity. What makes these lamps, a great souvenir is their dazzling colors and design, which are rare and very appealing. Well, the material is very delicate so make sure you pack and place them safely to take back in a single piece.
Where to Buy Mosaic Lamps in Turkey:
Markets in Istanbul are best known for the Turkish Mosaic Lamps. The Kapali Carsi is the most famous and the oldest marketplace for Turkey Shopping and you can get the best collection of these Arabian lamps. This is the oldest market and one of the best places to visit in Istanbul to shop, eat and enjoy. You can also find some decorative and traditional Turkey clothes that are too at a better price.
3. The Arabian Rugs and Carpets: The Grand Bazar
The history of rugs and carpets in Turkey goes back to centuries- around 3000 BC. So, if you’re not sure what is famous in Turkey to buy, then these handmade rugs, made by the local artist, using traditional materials like cotton, silk, or bamboo fibers which makes them so famous and indigenous are perfect. Now, these can be a bit expensive, especially when you are buying a high-quality handmade rug. The vibrant colors and the folk patterns are hard to find, but when you are in Istanbul or Cappadocia, these are the most famous things to buy in turkey. The vendors here also offer delivery facilities, so if you are worried about taking a heavy ring back, well you can ask for shipping too.
Where to Buy Rugs and Carpets in Turkey:
While there are many shops and markets selling carpets, you will find the best quality at Ethnicon and Dhoku in Istanbul, which is famous for the quality and variety of rugs. If you need more variety and price, you can also explore the shops of Grand Bazar and choose your desired color, pattern, and fabric. While these can be on your list of luxury shopping in Istanbul, Turkey, you can get the best price depending on the quality of the rug and carpets you need.
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4. Coffee and Tea Sets: Kemeralti Bazaar
Still not sure about what to buy in Turkey? Well, the tea and coffee sets in Turkey are some of the unique items you can buy for your home. The tea tradition has been prevalent in Turkey for ages and Turks have been using some uniquely designed glasses for ages. You can easily spot these perfectly designed elegant tea wear in every restaurant in Turkey. There are hand-painted patterns, some carved designer sets, and a variety of materials available on the market. On average, the cost of one set can be around 200TL, or more, completely depending on the features and design. To suggest the Tulip shapes are quite famous to shop in Turkey and perfect to be added to your dining collection.
Where to Buy Tea and Coffee Sets in Turkey:
While Coffee and tea sets in Turkey are very common to find, you can explore the Kemeralti Bazaar to get some authentic designs and shapes. This is a 400-year-old market where you will find an exclusive collection of home decor and kitchenware items. That's too affordable a price. Located in Izmir, the place is not that crowded but is very popular among tourists.
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5. Ceramic Collections For Kitchen: Arasta Bazaar
Pottery has been an exclusive and most loved art in Turkey. For luxury shopping in Istanbul, Turkey, you can buy ceramic sets for your dining collection or ceramic pots and other accessories for your home style. While ceramics has been quite popular in the Middle East and Asia, what makes it an amazing souvenir in Turkey is the design, shape, and colors that are used by the artists. The hand-painted Ceramic plates or cups, mugs, and all have been prevalent in the country since the 16th century, thanks to the art of pottery- dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. Therefore, it’s one of the famous things to buy in Turkey.
Where to Buy Ceramic Sets in Turkey:
Arasta Bazaar is a famous place for shopping in Turkey, especially for ceramics. This market was built in the 17th century and since then it has been a hub for shoppers who need the best collection of artistic accessories. You can also find the best collection of jewelry and textiles at this old and famous place in Turkey for shopping. There is an excessive collection of ceramics, cups, glasses, cups, ashtrays, and plates available to shop.
6. Tea and Spices: The Spice Bazaar
When you are in Turkey, you cannot miss the delightful and refreshing taste of Turkish tea and spices. This is the secret that makes the food here too delicious to miss. Spices and teas are some of the most common things for cheap shopping in Turkey, but the taste and aroma of these authentic herbs make them surely a luxury to buy. From exotic dry fruits like Dates to olive oil, floral teas, and coffee, Turkey offers you the most special souvenirs for your family to relish in Turkish delight. The taste will be quite different and very detectable from spices you get elsewhere else.
Where to Buy Spices in Turkey:
The Spice Market was built in the year 1660 and offers the best quality and variety of Turkish Spices and teas. Located close to the Grand Bazaar, it is quite famous among tourists and offers them an unusual souvenir to buy in Turkey. You can also find a variety of Egyptian along with domestic spices. It is the biggest spice market in the world and the second biggest covered bazaar in Turkey.
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7. Hammam Accessories: Grand Bazar
Hamman has been quite a revitalizing experience for all and the best thing to do in Turkey. You can buy these organic hammam products while shopping in Turkey to rearrange and make your Hammam (bath) refreshing and rejuvenating. Peshtemals, hammam towels, and olive-oil soap are some of the best products you can shop for, but make sure you are buying the best quality and skin friendly material. The hand-woven peshtemal is really beneficial for the skin as they are made from a blend of raw silk, linen, and cotton. The Soaps are available with different ingredients like Aloe Vera, Black Seed, Argan Oil, Grape Seed, and more.
Where to Buy Hammam Essentials in Turkey:
The Grand Bazaar is the only place where you can find the best quality Hamam Accessories while you are on a Turkey Shopping tour. Organic material and best quality soap made from Goat Milk, Jasmine Flower, Honey Pollen, Juniper Tar, and Lavender are available at Abdulla Hamman Shop. Soft Fabric material for peshtemals is also sold at the Grand Bazaar. You can also find shops for clothes shopping in Istanbul, Turkey.
8. Antiques and Ornaments: Antiques Hops and Stores in Istanbul
A lot of tourists aren’t sure about what to buy from Turkey for others, but antiques and ornaments make the best souvenirs you can buy from the old souks and marketplaces. The old art and design, the touch of Arabian beauty, and the finest material make them a perfect purchase you can take back home. These designs of ornaments and antiques in Turkey date back to the century, adding more patterns and variety to the collection. While antiques can be quite expensive, they are best for luxury shopping in Turkey. The rustic look and intriguing beauty of these ornaments and antiques are worth every penny. Make sure you are buying from reputed or trustworthy vendors, to get the best price and quality.
Where to Buy Ornaments in Turkey:
Istanbul is the best place where you can buy some quality ornaments and Antiques. From Grand Bazar to the stores in Malls in Istanbul, you can explore the city for the best collection. The Kemeralti Market is also a famous shopping place in Turkey where you can find some exclusive collections of Arabian designs and authentic jewelry collection.
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Be it a fancy and expensive gift or some authentic Turkish handicraft, you can find every exclusive souvenir in the Turkish markets. Shopping in Turkey can be a luxuriating experience as you will explore the markets, interact with the locals and discover the most magnificent collection of hand-crafted accessories and goods. While many malls and markets will accept cards, you can carry cash to the markets while shopping from the local vendors.
Make sure to check the quality and bargain wherever you can. Avail of the Turkey leisure tour package and create precious memories.
FAQs
Turkey is a paradise for shoppers where they can find the best souvenirs to buy for friends and family. Some of the best things to buy in Turkey are:
- Spices
- Ceramics
- Turkish Evil Eye
- Rugs and Carpets
- Coffee and Tea sets
There are many markets and malls in Turkey that are perfect for shopping. If you want to discover the authentic beauty of Turkey, here are some of the best places you can visit:
- Grand Bazar
- Arasta Bazaar
- The Spice Bazaar
- Kemeralti Bazaar
- Kapali Carsi
The blue evil eye is also called Nazar Boncuk, which holds a spiritual value. It is believed that these Amulets can bring good luck and protect one from any miss fortunes. These are available in various sizes and materials, fit for your home, car, office, and even accessory collection.
The Arabian Rugs and Carpets have been an integral part of the Turkish household. The carpets are handmade by the local artist, using traditional materials like cotton, silk, or bamboo fibers which makes them so famous and indigenous. The vibrant colors and the folk patterns make them so famous.
The Spice Market is the best place to buy tea and spices. It was built in the year 1660 and is located close to the Grand Bazaar. You can also find a variety of Egyptian along with domestic spices here. It is one of the biggest spice markets in the world.
Peshtemals, hammam towels, and olive-oil soap are some of the best hammam products you can buy in Turkey. You will find hand-woven peshtemals that are made from a blend of raw silk, linen, and cotton. Also, the soaps made from Aloe Vera, Black Seed, Argan Oil, or Grapeseed are skin friendly.
You can find the best collection of home décor and handicrafts in Turkey like:
- Rugs and Carpets
- Ceramics
- Tea and Coffee Sets
Kemeralti Bazaar is located in Izmir and is one of the oldest market places in Turkey. It is famous for its exclusive collection of home decor and kitchenware items. You can buy coffee and tea sets here with some authentic designs and shapes.
