The Spice Bazaar, also called the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi in Turkish), is one of the oldest covered markets in Istanbul. It stands in Eminonu, beside the New Mosque and a few steps from the Golden Horn, and has been trading spices, herbs, sweets and dried fruit for more than three centuries.
It is smaller and easier to explore than the Grand Bazaar, and the scent of spices, coffee and Turkish delight hits you as soon as you walk in. Here is a guide to its history, what to buy and how to visit.
History of the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
The bazaar was built in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) complex in Eminonu, and its rents helped fund the mosque. Its Turkish name, Misir Carsisi, means Egyptian Bazaar; it is usually explained by the revenues from Ottoman Egypt that paid for its construction, and by the spices and goods that arrived on ships from Egypt.
The building is L-shaped and vaulted, with six gates. For centuries traders sold spices and herbs here that were believed to cure almost any illness, along with goods from across the empire, from the Balkans and the northern Mediterranean to the Arabian Peninsula. It remains one of the busiest corners of the city.
What to buy at the Spice Bazaar
- Spices: sumac, pul biber (Turkish red pepper flakes), cumin, mint, mixed spices for kofte and saffron.
- Turkish delight (lokum): in dozens of flavours, from rose and pomegranate to pistachio-filled.
- Dried fruit and nuts: apricots, figs, dates, pistachios and hazelnuts.
- Teas: apple tea, herbal blends and loose Turkish black tea.
- Turkish coffee: freshly ground, together with traditional copper pots (cezve).
- Other treats: honey, pestil (fruit leather) and nut-filled sweets.
Read more about the sweets in our guide to Turkish desserts and sweets, and about local flavours in top things to eat in Istanbul.
Around the bazaar
The streets outside are as interesting as the bazaar itself. On the side facing the Tahtakale area you will find shops selling cheese, olives, pastirma (cured beef) and sucuk (spicy sausage), and a famous old coffee roaster where people queue for freshly ground coffee.
Next door is the New Mosque, and a short walk away the Rustem Pasha Mosque, small but covered in beautiful Iznik tiles. Uphill you can continue through the market streets to the Grand Bazaar or to the Suleymaniye Mosque. When visiting mosques, dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
Tips for visiting the Spice Bazaar
- Taste before you buy; most sellers will happily offer samples.
- Compare prices at a few shops, and ask for prices per 100 grams or per kilo.
- Be careful with very cheap "saffron", which is often safflower.
- Ask for vacuum packing if you are taking spices or sweets home in your luggage.
- Check your home country's rules before packing meat, cheese or other food products.
- Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds, especially at weekends.
Opening hours and how to get there
The Spice Bazaar opens every day, but opening hours vary between weekdays and weekends and it closes on some religious holidays. Check the current hours on the official website before you visit.
The bazaar is in the Rustem Pasha quarter of Fatih, right next to the New Mosque in Eminonu. Take the T1 tram to the Eminonu stop and walk for a couple of minutes. Ferries across the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn also arrive at Eminonu, so it is easy to combine a visit with a boat trip. If you would like a local to guide you through the stalls and tastings, try our Istanbul food tour.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Spice Bazaar called the Egyptian Bazaar?
Its Turkish name, Misir Carsisi, means Egyptian Bazaar. The name is usually linked to the revenues from Ottoman Egypt that funded it and the goods that arrived from Egypt by sea.
Is the Spice Bazaar the same as the Grand Bazaar?
No. The Spice Bazaar is a smaller covered market in Eminonu focused on food, spices and sweets. The Grand Bazaar is a much larger market a short walk uphill, known for carpets, jewellery, leather and crafts.
What should I buy at the Spice Bazaar?
Popular buys include sumac, pul biber, Turkish delight, dried fruit and nuts, apple and herbal teas, and freshly ground Turkish coffee.
How do I get to the Spice Bazaar?
Take the T1 tram to Eminonu; the bazaar is a couple of minutes' walk away, next to the New Mosque. Ferries also stop at Eminonu.
Is the Spice Bazaar open on Sundays?
It usually opens every day, with different hours at weekends, and may close on some religious holidays. Check the current hours before you go.
End your sightseeing day on the water
After the old city, see the palaces and mansions from the Bosphorus on a private sunset yacht cruise, only for your group.
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