Istanbul is something no traveler can miss. This is due to the fact that the gathering city plays a significant role in the turnover of many global brands. Yes, indeed, this is so! After all, a huge number of world-famous stores are concentrated here, among which there are not only European manufacturers, but also local ones.
It should be noted that shopping in Istanbul is not limited only to branded clothing, because Turkish culture is rich in many other interesting things, such as kilims, carpets, leather goods, jewelry and, of course, Turkish sweets. Moreover, both the Asian part of the city and the European part are replete with shops and stalls.
If you decide to go to the Turkish metropolis in search of fashionable and glamorous clothes, then you should definitely know that just a few years ago Istanbul “dressed” almost the whole of Russia. Why is everything this way and not otherwise? The answer lies on the surface! Low price and excellent quality are the main factors that indicate this.
Those who are traveling to Istanbul for the first time need to remember: in the city you can often find branded items with the corresponding logos - counterfeit products. Fortunately, all this applies to small shops that are popular only among poorer segments of the population. If you want to buy authentic clothes, then feel free to go to shopping centers, of which there are more than enough in the city.
Since shipping in Istanbul is an activity that absolutely everyone likes, shopping centers have recently begun to be built here, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment. One of the most popular, the generally recognized and favorite shopping centers of the city are, perhaps:
In order to understand this, you just need to visit them, or look at the photo. The scale will amaze even the most demanding and biased person!
"Carousel"
This is one of the shopping centers located V(close). It opened in March 1995. Its area is slightly more than 76,500 square meters, on which there are 117 shops, cafes, and banking organizations. Here 
Absolutely every traveler has a unique opportunity to purchase clothing from such brands as:
In addition to the shops it is worth visiting cinema(there are 4 of them in total). For ease of movement of clients there is 7 elevators And 12 comfortable escalators.
PROFILO
Located in the Mecidiyeköy business district. Everyone knows that this area is distinguished by its high cost, therefore the prices in the stores are corresponding. There is a shopping center with an area of 110,000 sq.
In units of meters. There are more than 210 stores. If you want to buy high-quality shoes, bags, souvenirs, jewelry, stationery, electronics and other types of products, then Profilo will come in handy.
On the territory of the complex there is:
PROFILO is so big that a guide may be required. Luckily, the mall has plenty of signs and signs to help you navigate.
TEPE NAUTILUS
Not all shopping centers in Istanbul are designed in a new style. This can be seen by visiting the legendary TEPE NAUTILUS. After all, it is considered the first thematic complex in which both the interior and the architecture all testify to the close connection of Istanbul with the sea. For those looking to do some shopping in Istanbul, shopping malls like Tepe Nautilus are a smart solution.
ATRIUM
The oldest of all existing centers in Istanbul. It became operational in June 1989; does not differ in its dimensions. Its area is only 2000 square meters. However, on these meters there are quite a lot of fashion shops (200 pcs.). Among the entire shopping and entertainment space you will find boutiques of famous brands, a cinema, and traditional places for snacks.
Carrefour SA
Three-storey shopping center Carrefour SA, located in Bayrampasa And Dying, occupies an area of 25,000 square meters, and is the brainchild of the French retail giant Carrefour and Sabanci (a Turkish corporation).
In addition to these shopping centers, the following are also famous:
DEPOSIT OUTLET CENTER
Looking for outlets in Istanbul? Be sure to visit the DEPOSITE OUTLET CENTER. It began functioning in April 2008 in the Ikitelli quarter, which is in the European part of the city. If you find yourself in this area, know that DEPOSITE OUTLET CENTER is the only shopping mall in this area. That is why some attribute its popularity not only to low product prices, but also to monopolization.
Located in the working area. Currently there are 118 stores operating there. It is also worth noting that this shopping center belongs to the outlet class, so there are very reasonable prices in Istanbul. Global brands and clothing from local manufacturers - you will find all this in OLIVIUM. It is also interesting to know that the center is located near the ancient city walls, which deserve recognition among hundreds of thousands of tourists who appreciate and love history.
In addition to the outlets described above, worthy of close attention are 212 Istanbul Power And Optimum Outlet. What is this connected with? The answer is obvious. This is due to the fact that it is in these hyperstores that you can “grab” a branded item for a symbolic price. To do this, it is best to buy non-seasonal products.
Stock stores
As for stock stores, everything is fine with them in Istanbul. Moreover, there are stock clothing stores where prices drop almost daily. So, a prominent representative can be Deepo Outlet center, located in Antalya. Here, for example, you can buy original jeans quite inexpensively in September-October - for 50-100 US dollars, and sneakers for 40-120 US dollars.
Capriccio di Moda- a shopping center that has stock stores with a good selection of trendy clothes: Dolce & Gabbana, Just Cavalli, Stone Island, Richmond, Cavalli Class, etc.
Do you want to do cheap shopping and buy things from Tommy Hilfiger, Mango? Then visit Outlet Center 212 Istanbul Power Outlet. If you want to save even more money while enjoying budget shopping, then sales in Istanbul are an even more viable option for purchasing wardrobe essentials.
If you want to go shopping in Istanbul, there are some tips you should definitely take into account. One and the most important advice is the following: start your shopping by choosing a perfume, as millions of true connoisseurs of beauty, sophistication and charm do. Istanbul has a huge variety of boutiques with
My products. One of them is Burberry.
Bottega Veneta- a boutique in Istanbul, which has been operating since 1966. Its main advantage is that bags are sold here self made made of high quality leather. Buying a sheepskin coat here will not be difficult. Unique technology, quality and durability of the products are included.
Dior store, located in Istinye Park, will give you moments of joy as it is a leader in the world of perfumes. A DKNY will delight you with men's and women's designer clothing, ultra-modern and ultra-comfortable underwear, various accessories. Fortunately, shopping in Istanbul does not end there. After all, there are many more boutiques and shops that absolutely every visitor should visit. One of these places is Ermenegildo Zegna. This is due to the fact that Zegna is the undoubted leader among manufacturers and distributors of suits made from high-quality fabric. Many note that the fabric is so acceptable that it does not require any additional care.
Escada- women's casual and fine clothing store evening dresses. It is worth noting that the store’s pricing policy is not for everyone. As a rule, people from high society dress here. For most women, things, unfortunately, will be inaccessible due to the high cost of the latter. Leather handbags, embroidered dresses with a European twist - all this can be purchased in the store Hermes, which is one of the oldest fashion houses in Turkey. It has been operating successfully since 1837. Walking into a theme store Hugo Boss, absolutely every client will be able to buy trendy sportswear, which will be distinguished by high quality, aesthetics and a relatively low price.
Don't know what to buy in the markets in Istanbul? To do this, it is necessary and sufficient just to visit some of them and see how abundant the goods are on their shelves.
First of all, it is recommended to visit the Main Bazaar. Why? Yes, because at the Grand Bazaar you will be able to most fully feel the local flavor, as well as get acquainted with real Turkish trade. In addition to the fact that the Main Bazaar is the largest in area, it is also the largest in terms of quantitative variety of products, among which there are bed linen, underwear, hats, umbrellas, and carpets... In a word, it is a kind of trading a center where you can buy absolutely everything your heart desires.
Thousands of tourists say that it is not advisable to make large wholesale purchases here, since the prices for things are too high and the sellers are intrusive. However, you should not be afraid of this. After all, at the bazaar it is customary to bargain so that both the buyer and the seller are satisfied. To know for sure address Where to shop in Istanbul, it's worth writing it down: Kalpakcilar Cd, Istanbul Bazaar. It takes up all the space between , Eminönü, Beyazit.
It was created specifically to finance the construction of the mosque. Here, just like in the old days, you will find many types of cheeses, nuts, vegetables and spices. As history itself testifies, the Egyptian Bazaar survived two great fires. However, it has now been completely restored. That is why it has become even more beautiful, larger and more comfortable.
For true gourmets who do not want to buy a “pig in a poke”, the desired market is a real find. This is due to the fact that in the market it is customary to try everything. And to be completely confident in the quality of the products, do not hesitate to ask the sellers about their official supplier. And finally, remember that the market is settled exclusively in Turkish lira. This is understandable, since the exchange rate between the dollar and the euro is far from favorable to buyers. Now you know how and where best to shop in Istanbul. All that remains is to open the tourist map of the city and, in fact, visit the above-described objects. The map is sold at any newspaper stall.
Sales and discounts in Istanbul- require a separate conversation. This is understandable, because the city of successful shopping gives its visitors the opportunity to save their own money.
Shopping festival 2015- the most sensational period when “crazy shopping” comes on the same page as “Black Friday”. The festival occurs at the end of spring or the first month of summer. It is characterized by the fact that during this period shops, boutiques, outlets and shopping malls work in an enhanced mode, offering their customers significant discounts on products (up to 70%). The full picture of the shopping fest will only emerge if you attend this celebration in May-June. Be sure to go to or.
For those who are very used to fixed sales dates, Istanbul will unfortunately disappoint. However, you shouldn't give up. You can always enjoy sales throughout the year. As in domestic spaces, manufacturers organize sales of seasonal collections. Moreover, the sale may occur not just once, but several times (usually 3-4 times throughout the year). For example, winter sales passed in January 2015. At this time, discounts were no more than 30 percent. But by April, discounts already grow to 60 percent or more. As for summer sales, then they start their start in May-June. In August, the trend of discounts stops.
It is also typical that to buy clothes wholesale or retail, you only need to go out to Istiklal Street. This street is oversaturated with shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and other entertainment complexes. A tram runs along the avenue. If you are afraid that you will get lost, then it is better to first get sightseeing tour, and only then get out of the transport.
Do not neglect the opportunity to take exciting shopping tours into the world of branded clothing with a guide or on your own, as millions of true connoisseurs of beauty, style, charm and sophistication have already done. Remember: Istanbul, where good shopping can be done, is an ideal place to spend money! And, since you already know where to go for shopping in Istanbul, there is little left to do.
Photo: In order to fully understand that Istanbul is a trendsetter and executor of fashion, we bring to your attention a number of thematic photographs of shopping centers, nearby attractions, cafes, restaurants and markets. We also invite you to watch a video report where leisure and shopping in Istanbul is shown in all its glory.
The modern city, located on two continents, continues to attract tourists with completely different, sometimes very exotic tastes. Constantinople was very important point The Great Silk Road, and now Istanbul is rightfully considered one of the main cities for good shopping.
The opportunity to choose unique products starts from the Grand Bazaar itself, crosses the Golden Horn Bay, rushing along different sides from the Galata Tower, from fashionable boutiques of Istanbul designers to huge shopping complexes.
Since many travelers want to devote part of their stay in the former capital of the Byzantine Empire to global shopping, with the help of recommendations from the famous Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, the online magazine Mymerhaba and tips collected on shopping forums, you can make a list of the five largest and most popular shopping centers in Istanbul.
Akmerkez opened in 1993. It is the oldest shopping center in the city; in 1995 it was awarded a prestigious award as the best shopping center and in 1996 it was named the best shopping center in the world.
The mall consists of four floors, on which 246 shops are conveniently located. One of Istanbul is located in the prestigious Etiler district. In addition to boutiques with familiar textiles and household appliances, you can even find hairdressers here. For lovers of Italian cuisine, there is the famous Paper Moon restaurant.
The shopping center is located at: Istanbul, Nispetiye Cad.Etiler, Beşiktaş.
You can get there by metro or bus:
The second name of the Istanbul shopping center "Cevahir" is Şişli Kültür ve Ticaret Merkezi. Year of construction - 2005. The six floors of the largest shopping center include more than three hundred stores and about ten fast food restaurants.
In "Cevahir" you can find such famous brands as Benetton, Mothercare, La Senza, Zara, Vero Moda, Topshop, Jack&Jones, Peacocks, Dorothy Perkins, Levi's, Adidas, Lotto, Guess World, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Bata, Esprit, Massimo Dutti, Dockers and many other global brands.
Cevahir also offers entertainment in the form of the Atlantis center with the Megaplex cinema.
You can find it at: Istanbul, Büyükdere Cad. No: 22/A, Şişli Merkez, Şişli.
You can get there by taxi or by metro: metro station - Şişli Mecediyeköy ("Şişli Mecediyeköy").
"Olivium" is located in the very heart of Istanbul - an area 11 kilometers from Ataturk Airport.
The glass roof and tower fit well into the prestigious part of the Zeytinburnu historical site. This unusual shopping center was built in 2000. It is the largest outlet. To the delight of many parents, Istanbul's Olivium shopping center houses Kiddyland, a large playground for children's entertainment.
The outlet offers not only world brands, there are also products from popular Turkish textile manufacturers, shoe industry and children's goods. The stores are represented by brands such as Adidas. Kappa, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, Pierre Cardin, Mudo Outlet, Cacharel, Diesel, Mango (the largest in Europe), Polo Garage (the only discount store in Istanbul is located right here).
Discounts apply to women's clothing and shoes, men's clothing and shoes, and children's accessories in the amount of 40-60%.
One of the important advantages of this outlet is the presence of a Tax Free item; tourists can immediately return the amount of local tax for purchases before departure from the country.
Information about current discounts should be found on the official website of this shopping center.
"Olivium" is located at: Istanbul, Gökalp Mahallesi, Prof. Dr. Muammer Aksoy Cad. No:30, Zeytinburnu.
The best way to get there is by metro: metro station - Zeytinburnu (Zeytinburnu), train T1.
This shopping center in Istanbul was the first to launch an IMAX cinema. Its main difference from a conventional cinema is its optimization for 3D films and a larger screen size, designed for an improved image view.
In the center of Istinye Park, the world-famous cafe and the very first in Turkey was opened - Rainforest Cafe.
The complex includes more than three hundred brand stores, for example: Dior, Prada, Dolche&Gabbana, Zara, Boyner, M.A.C., Sephora, Celine, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Mango, Fendi, Debenhams.
Address: İstanbul, Pınar mahalles, İstinye Bayırı Cad., İstinye, Sarıyer.
To get there, you can use the metro or bus:
The grand Canyon complex is located near the Levent metro station. There is a convenient transition between them, which is a plus for visitors in case of bad weather.
The Canyon complex consists of a thirty-story tower. Four floors are underground, there are offices, twenty-two floors are residential, and four levels are a shopping center.
This complex was noted at the City Scape exhibition (Dubai, 2006) and nominated in the Commercial Built section.
The total number of stores is 160, but inside there are unique places that are not available in other best shopping centers in Istanbul. For example, the Konyalı restaurant is located on floor K1, and its main representative office is located in the palace itself
Film lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the large Mars Cinema, designed for 1,600 people and 9 screening rooms.
Address of the Canyon complex: İstanbul, Büyükdere Cad. No:185, Levent, Beşiktaş.
You can get there by metro: Levent metro station.
Those for whom visiting Istanbul's top shopping centers is not enough may be interested in information about others.
Carousel
The carousel built inside is the symbol of the shopping center.
The complex is filled with one hundred and three shops, four cinemas and four bank branches. The number of visitors per year reaches 18 million.
Various performances are often organized inside the center, artist exhibitions are held, and here you can buy tickets for various events in the city on the Bosphorus.
Address: Istanbul, Halit Ziya Usakligil Caddesi No:1, Bakirkoy.
Forum İstanbul ("Forum Istanbul")
Located on the European part of the city, Bayrampaşa district. Visitors are offered 265 stores with foreign and Turkish brands.
The main attraction of the Forum Istanbul center is the fairly large Turkuazoo Aquarium. Here you can also find an ice museum, bowling alley and ice skating rink.
Comfort for visitors is also provided by a mother and child room, a medical center, storage rooms, and a Tax free point.
Address: İstanbul, Kocatepe Mahallesi, Paşa Caddesi 34045 Bayrampaşa.
Atrium
The Ataköy district, located in the western part of the city, is famous for the Atrium shopping center. About two hundred brand stores open their doors to meet the sophisticated buyer.
You can find it at: İstanbul, Ataköy, 9-10 mahalle.
You can write more than one article on the topic “Shopping in Istanbul,” but in this article I will talk about shopping centers. After all, most of us are accustomed to shopping in such places. The list of major shopping centers in Istanbul can reach more than fifty, but here I want to highlight the most popular ones. Here is a list of shopping malls where you can enjoy shopping in Istanbul and have a great time. 
Akmerkez is one of the oldest shopping centers in Istanbul, opened to everyone in 1993. And already in 1995 and 1996 he was awarded well-known prestigious awards. On four floors of this center there are 246 stores where you will find clothes for the whole family, toys, sporting goods and gifts. In addition to shops, there are restaurants, cafes, beauty salons, banks, and cinemas. Akmerkez shopping center is located in the elite area of Istanbul - Etiler. Address: Nispetiye Cad. Akmerkez Al??veri? Merkezi 34337 Etiler - Istanbul. Levent metro station can be reached on foot in 15 minutes.
Cevahir (Javahir) - opened in Istanbul in 2005 and has another name: Sisli Cultural and Trade Center. This six-story complex will delight its visitors with 300 shops, as well as dozens of cafes and restaurants for every taste. The stores offer products from popular world brands. Here you can also visit the Atlantis entertainment center and the Megaplex cinema. Located in a fashionable area between Şişli and Mecidiyekoy. Address: Buyukdere caddesi No:22 ?i?li Merkez, ?i?li – Istanbul. You can get there by metro Şişli - Medzhidiyekoem. 
Istinye Park (Istinye Park) - opened in 2007, a simple paradise for shopaholics. Here you will find more than 300 shops, as well as entertainment complexes and restaurants. The entire shopping complex is divided into zones with mass markets, that is, inexpensive stores, and on the top floor there are exclusively expensive ones with world brands, some of which can only be found here in Istanbul. The world famous Rainforest Cafe opened its first outlet in Turkey in this complex. The first cinema in Istanbul of the Imax format began its work here. Located in the Istinye area. Address: ?stinye Bay?r? Cad.34460 ?stinye – ?stanbul. You can get there from the Ataturk Oto Sanay metro station in 15 minutes on foot. 
Kanyon (Canyon) - opened in 2006, by appearance looks like a canyon, and is similar in structure to the Akmerkez shopping center. Occupies four floors in a thirty-story building. Here you will find 160 different shops, a large number of different restaurants and cafes and the Marssinema cinema, designed for 1,600 people. Located in the Levent district. Address: B?y?kdere Cad. No: 185, Levent, Be?ikta? – Istanbul. From Levent metro station - on foot.
MetroCity (MetroCity) - opened in 2003. On four floors there are more than 150 stores of various world brands, as well as products from Turkish manufacturers. There are also restaurants, cafes, a supermarket and a department store. Located in the business district of Istanbul - Levent and connected by a passage to the Levent metro station. Address: B?y?kdere Cad. No:171 Levent, Be?ikta? – ?stanbul. From Levent metro station - on foot. 
Capacity is a modern shopping center opened in 2007. It is three levels up and three levels down, where you will find 180 stores of famous world brands, a cafe and restaurant, as well as a cinema for 1,500 people. This ultra-fashionable mall is very popular among young people. Located in the Bakirkoy area Address: Zeyt?nl?k Mah. Fi?ekhane cad. No: 7 Bak?rkoy - Istanbul. From Bakirkoy station - on foot. 
Galleria is Istanbul's first modern mall, located in the suburban Atakoy district. Opened in 1988. This is a two-story complex with 140 shops, most of which are Turkish top level. This shopping center is very popular among tourists due to its convenient location - near Ataturk International Airport. Located in the Atakoy district. Address: Sahilyolu 34158 Atakiy - Istanbul. You can get there by commuter train. 
Caruosel (Carousel) is another shopping center, which is located near Ataturk Airport. Opened in 1995, it is not one of the largest in Istanbul, but it attracts crowds of tourists with various cultural events held here. There are only 117 different shops, as well as restaurants, cafes, banks and four cinema halls. Located in the Bakirkoy area. Address: Halit Ziya Usakligil Caddesi No:1, Bakirkoy – ?stanbul. You can get there by commuter train. 
Profilo is a fairly large shopping center, opened in 1997. There are 207 stores where you can find everything your soul needs - clothes, shoes, electrical goods, souvenirs, gifts. The complex consists of six floors, on which, in addition to shops, there are seven cinemas, three theaters, a bowling center, a fitness club with a swimming pool, and, of course, restaurants and fast food cafes. Located in a business and expensive area Istanbul - Mecidiyekoy. Address: Profilo Al??veri? Merkezi Cemal Sahir Cad. No: 33 Mecidiyek?y – ?stanbul. You can get there by metro to Gairettepe station. 
Atruim (Atrium) is one of the oldest shopping centers in Istanbul, which began operating in 1989. In a fairly small area, compared to other shopping centers in Istanbul, there are 200 stores of various types, and, of course, famous world brands. As well as restaurants, cafes, cinemas. A very cozy and familiar place for shopping for most people. Located in the Atakoy district. Address: Atakoy 7-8-9-10. Kissm Mh.- Istanbul. You can get there by metro Atakoy - Sirinevler.
A selection of profitable air tickets through Aviadiscounter (searches like Aviasales + a selection of airline promotions and sales).
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Istanbul has been a center of world trade since the Middle Ages due to its favorable geographical location. This city still has excellent shopping, shopping districts, malls and colorful markets, and prices are an order of magnitude lower than in Europe.
Most shops in Istanbul are open from 9:00 to 21:00, some of them (usually small private shops) close for lunch from 13:00 to 14:00. There are no breaks in supermarkets and large shopping centers, and in the tourist center of the city there are shops that are open until the last customer. On Sundays, most stores are closed, but this usually does not apply to large shopping complexes and stores in the city center.
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Istanbul does not have such a clear sales schedule as in Europe, although in recent years Turkey has been trying to adhere to it: the country has many tourists who rely on shopping at certain times of the year.
Istanbul stores announce a discount season twice a year - in summer (from July to September) and in winter (from mid-January to late February - early March). Sometimes these dates can “float”, and many brands continue to organize sales on their own schedule, but large shopping centers try to adhere to the European schedule. However, such chaos also has its advantages: you can get discounts at almost any time of the year. Sales start with 30% discounts, then prices drop by about half, and towards the end of the season you can buy things at a discount of up to 70%, although this happens rarely and not in every store.
Every year from July 1 to July 31, Istanbul hosts an annual shopping festival, which can be compared to Dubai in terms of scope and generosity of offers. At this time, you can buy furs and leather here very profitably - they are especially actively sold out before the new season. Many Istanbul shopping centers are open 24 hours a day during the festival.
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Turkish knitwear is known throughout the world, it is of high quality and cheap, and that is why they began to actively counterfeit it and sell it for pennies in clothing markets. To avoid counterfeit goods, it is best to buy clothes in the Laleli shopping district in branded stores and shopping centers. There is also a good selection and mostly high-quality items, but the markups are extortionate, and you definitely have to bargain.
It is worth paying attention to the following brands:
Turkish shoes are also of good quality, but they are counterfeited no less often and almost always poorly. So you should only go to branded stores to buy shoes: buying on the market will most likely be unsuccessful. A nice pair of autumn boots from genuine leather will cost from 80-100 USD in Istanbul. Prices on the page are as of October 2018.
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It’s definitely worth going to Istanbul to buy a leather jacket or fur coat. The choice here is not as huge as in neighboring Greece, but it is also very large, and the prices are affordable. Turkish leather products are famous for their excellent workmanship, and in recent years also stylish design. Leather jackets, bags and other goods are often counterfeited, so it is best to buy them in stores at factories, which are located in abundance in the Laleli area. One of the brands of leather clothing with a good reputation is Punto, this company also sews individual order. Clothes from the D'enver Leather brand are also of high quality, but the prices are quite high.
Many things do not have price tags; the seller himself reports the price, and it is already inflated taking into account future bargaining. So you need to bargain, this way you can discount from 20 to 80% of the original price.
average price leather jacket in Turkey - 200-400 USD depending on the model, sheepskin coat - 350-1200 USD, fur coats - from 1500 USD.
To buy a fur coat, you should also go to the shops at fur factories in the Laleli area. Keep in mind that, in addition to the main one, there is a wholesale market - you should not go there, since local sellers are not interested in retail buyers, and you will not get discounts from them.
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The most popular antique shops in Istanbul are Sofa Art and Antiques next to the Grand Bazaar, Horkhor flea market and Merih Uman next to it, Sahaflar book market. You can buy there ancient coins, figurines, books and much more. Before purchasing, be sure to ask the seller for a museum certificate. In Turkey, exporting items that are more than 100 years old is punishable by imprisonment, so buying antiques from dubious sellers is dangerous: they themselves may not know how old their goods are.
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Carpets in Istanbul can be bought on almost every corner: in any shopping center, in the Grand Bazaar and other markets. The average price of a small carpet is 100-130 USD, there is no upper limit, and you can and should bargain when purchasing. Don't expect to buy a carpet quickly, as this is not so much a transaction as an attraction - the seller often invites you to have tea or coffee and talks about the history of carpets in Turkey. There is no need to refuse: it is absolutely safe, interesting and is a kind of ritual. They like to take more money from tourists, so if you are not confident in your bargaining skills, take one of the locals with you (you can even pay a small fee - it will still work out cheaper in the end).
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In Istanbul it is worth buying jewelry made of gold and silver; they are varied, stylish and inexpensive - about 25-30 USD per 1 gram of gold. Largest selection in the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Market and Hadrian Group: Hadrian Jewelery & Ceres Leather. Jewelry is often counterfeited, so before purchasing, check the jewelry for the presence of the manufacturer's stamp, and ask the seller for a certificate.
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You can buy excellent ceramics in Istanbul. This craft has been known here since the 16th century, and the Turks are very proud of it. It is best to buy it in the markets; prices start from 3 USD for a cup and saucer and reach several hundred for a set.
In addition to ceramics, in Istanbul bazaars you can buy copper utensils, which were very popular in the Ottoman era and are still in demand today. Before use, you need to take the dishes to a special master - kalayci, who will cover it with tin for a small fee, as they did many centuries ago. This is necessary because the copper surface is poisonous.
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There is no need to talk about Turkish sweets again: there is a large selection of Turkish delight, baklava and other things in Istanbul confectionery shops and in any supermarket. For beautiful gift sets of sweets, it is better to go to the Koska and Bebek Badem Ezmezisi brand stores, and for coffee - to the oldest store in the city, Kurukakhveci Mehmet Efеndi.
In addition, it is worth bringing Turkish tea from Istanbul along with special glasses in the shape of tulips, olive oil and olives, as well as dried fruits and nuts - it’s best to buy all this in the markets by weight.
Turkish wine is not an acquired taste. Many people consider it too tart and sour, but there are interesting exclusives, such as sweet cherry, mulberry and pomegranate wine, which is sold in wine stores and large supermarkets.
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Large Turkish cities have modern malls and entire shopping districts. In Istanbul, this is Istiklal Street, which runs from Taksim Square to the Golden Horn. There are many small shops and several arcades where you can buy clothes, accessories, books, musical instruments, antiques and much more. The Laleli area is an abundance of cheaper, but lower quality goods: textiles, leather, furs, etc. It’s not as beautiful there as in Istiklal, but you can bargain for very reasonable prices, and many sellers speak Russian.
Another popular shopping area is Zeytinburnu. Here are the most low prices in the city for leather and fur, but in general there are fewer shops than in Laleli. Zeytinburnu is also home to one of the city's largest shopping centers, Olvium. However, this area is not very convenient for tourist shoppers: it is located far from the center, and the best way to travel within it is by taxi - the bus and trolleybus routes are very confusing.
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There are many shopping centers in Istanbul, there is one in almost every district of the city, here are the most popular and largest of them:
The first and largest Olivium outlet in Istanbul today is located within the city in the Zeytinburnu district. There are more than 130 stores of local Turkish and popular European brands, there are restaurants, a cinema, a theater, a bowling alley and a children's entertainment center Kiddyland. All year round, Olivium offers discounts of around 20-30%, and during sales periods they increase to 80%.
You can get to the outlet by metro (Zeytinburnu station) or by bus. Shopping can be combined with ancient sightseeing: a 15-minute walk from Olivium is Yedikule, or the Seven Tower Castle, a fortress built in the 15th century.
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The oldest and most popular market in Istanbul is the Kapala Çarshi Grand Bazaar. It is located in the very center of the city, and there are more than 4,000 different retail outlets. The market sells Turkish textiles, leather, furs, ceramics, hookahs, carpets, as well as fresh vegetables, fruits and spices. It is very beautiful here, on the territory there are old mosque, a fountain and the ruins of an ancient wall, but there are a lot of tourists in the Grand Bazaar, so the prices are high and you have to bargain.
The Laleli covered bazaar is a more democratic market, but there are fewer retail outlets here than wholesale ones. So if you don’t plan to buy a large batch of fur coats, then they will sell you one or two reluctantly and, most likely, without discounts.
The Egyptian Bazaar in Istanbul is an ancient market built back in 1660. Once upon a time, mainly spices were sold here, but today the assortment is much wider: fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, oriental sweets, cosmetics and much more.
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To get some money back for purchases in Istanbul, you need to spend at least 118 TRY in stores where there is a Tax Free Shopping sign and fill out a form at the checkout or a special counter. Keep in mind that Turkish sellers are not very familiar with the VAT refund system, so it is easier for them to offer you an additional discount rather than bother with such bureaucracy.
The completed form along with a receipt and passport must be presented at the airport before departure, the money (up to 18%) will be returned to you in cash or to the card with which the purchases were paid.
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