We are going to be in Istanbul for 10 days and plan on a day trip out t Bursa. Any advice on honest reputable rug dealers? Are we better off buying in Istanbul or is there a close day trip recommendation Also I am looking at possibly buying tiles to bring home. Any recommendations on tile stores etc.? As far as jewelry any recommendations? We are very excited about our 1st trip to Turkey. Thanks for your help.

You will not find any honest and reputable rug dealer in this world. They are all oriental chafferers. You must learn to play their game.

For tiles and jewelry go into the covered bazaar in Istanbul. You must bargain. You should not pay more than half of the initial price. Be prepared to leave the shop if the price does not come down. They will follow you with new offers. Get some practice with smaller pieces before you buy more expensive ones.

The same applies for rugs. Browse several shops before you start bargaining and buying to get a feeling for quality and price.

Wear sunglasses. Rug dealers watch the pupils of your eyes. When you are interested in a piece of merchandise, your pupils dilate. It is quite involuntary. Merchants know this and watch your eyes closely. We have traveled all over Turkey and much of the Middle East. Shield your eyes when bargaining.

If you're looking at silk rugs... be sure you know how to tell the difference between silk and mercerized cotton -

Paying a visit to Hereke might be rewarding !
Buying tiles; do you mean to buy bulk to use at home decorating a bathroom or kitchen ? If so You need to go to Iznik and Kutahya but sure one can also find some in Istanbul. Jewellery ; definately Istanbul...

Happy travelling & Happy Shopping

Murat