Shopping in Turkey
 

I just returned from 17 day trip to turkey and thought i'd note a couple shopping trips.

The Grand Bazaar is very workable, but i thought it was much better to pay in Lira than dollars. Definitely negotiate and its a game to the sellers: they offer a price, you counter offer, they counter offer, etc until a price is agreed upon. I did notice that sometimes the sellers were willing to let me walkaway, but so many sell the same things I didn't worry. Also, i went close to closing time during Ramadan and a couple vendors just offered me a very low price since they wanted to close up and eat.

I recommend one small store for tiles and bowls: Selvi El Sanatlari, on street within the grand bazaar: Yaglikcilar Cad No: 54.

There are plenty of signs in the Grand Bazaar as well.

Also, if you happen to be in Selcuk (near Ephesus), every Tuesday and Thursday nights they have town market. I believe they make a lot of clothing in turkey for Patagonia, Horny Toad,and some British brands and sell the factory xtras or rejects (sizing sometimes off). But for 2.5 lira (about 2 dollars) a shirt, how could I resist when patagonia and horny toad sell here for $35+ a t-shirt. Also on Saturdays there is a huge market in Selcuk and plenty of turkish towels, linens, and other things to sell.

Heather

Thanks for the tip. I'm going in March and can use all the tips I can get. Are you writing a trip report? Posting any photos? Got any more tips?

I'm going in December. I'm not a huge shopper unless I'm in a place with bargains, so thanks for the tips.

I will try to post more later and include pictures. Even small items such as bookmarks and evil eye pendants/trinkets were all cheaper in the Grand Bazaar than in towns along the coast such as Bodrum and Marmaris.

Before I forget, I found a good store with some items at prices much cheaper than even the Grand Bazaar and no haggling required. It was behind the Aya Sophia near the youth hostels. I'll send the address later.

Heather

Heather, thanks for posting. I'll be in Istanbul in February and am taking notes. I would love to read a trip report!

Tracy