Markets and Bazaars such as hans, bedestans, arastas or squares, both open or covered have been the most vivid and colorful side of socio-economic life for thousands of years. Being an inseparable part of our lives, some of those markets have always been packed with customers while others have waited for their few but special customers. Markets have always played an eminent role in our lives by adding dynamism to social life.

The Middle Eastern bazaar is much more than a context for commerce: the studies in this book illustrate that markets, regardless of their location, scale, and permanency, have also played important cultural roles within their societies, reflecting historical evolution, industrial development, social and political conditions, urban morphology, and architectural functions. This interdisciplinary volume explores the dynamics of the bazaar with a number of case studies from Cairo, Damascus, Aleppo, Nablus, Bursa, Istanbul, Sana'a, Kabul, Tehran, and Yazd. Although they share some contextual and functional characteristics, each bazaar has its own unique and fascinating history, traditions, cultural practices, and structure. One of the most intriguing aspects revealed in this volume is the thread of continuity from past to present exhibited by the bazaar as a forum where a society meets and intermingles in the practice of goods exchange-a social and cultural ritual that is as old as human history.

From cultural heritage to inspired contemporary jewelry, this book is a journey into the ateliers of the master artisans in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. This lavishly illustrated book provides an intriguing glimpse inside the luminous world of Fatma Altinbas, an anthropology professor and the creative mind behind the heritage jewelry brand Meváris. Born into a family of gold merchants, she had the privilege of growing up with the Grand Bazaar, immersed in the wonderfully rich history of Istanbul. Her distinctive approach as an academically minded entrepreneur is to marry the city's legacy of impeccable craftsmanship with new and alluring contemporary designs. This book is a celebration of the magnificent city of Istanbul and this designer's relationship with her creative culture. From the floral motifs in Ottoman kaftans to the enduring Byzantine architectural marvels, the beautiful imagery traces the historical and contemporary influences that have shaped the unique artistic vision guiding Meváris's exquisite jewelry creation. It offers unique aesthetic reinterpretations of Istanbul's heritage and its renowned Grand Bazaar through a celebration of past and present, and the colors and cultural wealth of the contemporary city.

With its rich 500-year history, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar has quite a story to tell. This oversize luxury volume takes a comprehensive look at the world's most vibrant marketplace, with hundreds of dazzling original photographs by Laziz Hamani and narrative by an Istanbul-born Ottoman art expert and collector.

Welcome to Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents and countless cultures, where the past whispers through ancient streets and modern life pulses with energy. Before diving into the vibrant tapestry of this metropolis, let’s take a moment to orient ourselves amidst its bustling bazaars, majestic mosques, and timeless traditions. Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is a city of paradoxes. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it serves as a bridge between East and West, seamlessly blending the legacies of empires and civilizations that have left their mark on its landscape. From the iconic domes of the Hagia Sophia to the bustling markets of the Grand Bazaar, every corner of Istanbul tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and innovation. As we embark on this journey through Istanbul, we invite you to immerse yourself in its rich tapestry of history, culture, and hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the labyrinthine alleys of the Old City or savoring the flavors of Turkish cuisine along the Bosphorus, each experience offers a glimpse into the soul of this extraordinary city. So, as you embark on your exploration of Istanbul, remember to keep an open heart and a curious mind. From the ancient walls of Constantinople to the vibrant street art of Beyoğlu, there’s always something new to discover in this city of endless surprises. Prepare to be enchanted, inspired, and forever changed by the magic of Istanbul.

This book explores the complex relationship between societies, architecture, and urbanism of market halls, traditional souqs, bazaars, and speciality street markets in the Middle East and North Africa. It addresses how these trading environments influence perceptions of place and play an extended social, political, and religious role while adapting to their local climates. Through Archival research and social science methodologies, this book records and maps markets in urban fabrics, expanding on practices underlying the push towards historical listings and the development of markets as landmarks in the urban fabric. The role of markets in delivering sustainable place-making strategies and influencing the development of cities’ socio-economic and historical strength is addressed as key to their survival in the urban fabric and as place-making landmarks for preserving tangible and intangible heritage. Going beyond heritage and conservation studies, this book discusses how positioning and restoring markets challenges urban renewal policies, access to public space planning, environmental sustainability, security of food supply, cultural heritage, and tourism. This is an ideal read for those interested in the history of urban development, architecture and urban planning, and architectural heritage.

Planning to travel to Istanbul and want to know what adventures will await you? Already been and want to know more? "Inside Out In Istanbul" is a collection of short stories about life in Istanbul by author Lisa Morrow. Lisa first went to Turkey in 1990, where she stayed in the small village of Göreme for three months during the Gulf War. Since that time she has travelled back and forth between Turkey and Australia many times, living and working in Istanbul and Kayseri in central Turkey, before finally settling for good in Istanbul. The stories in this collection take you beyond the world famous sights of Istanbul to the shores of Asia, to an Istanbul that is vibrantly alive with the sounds of street vendors, wedding parties, weekly markets and more. Come behind the tourist façades and venture deep into this sometimes chaotic, often schizophrenic but always charming city.

You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling in Istanbul. Following Rick's self-guided tours, you'll experience the wonders of East and West in this fascinating city—the capital of two great empires. Explore one of the world's largest domed churches, haggle with merchants in the exotic Grand Bazaar, and discover the secrets of the sultan's harem in Topkapi Palace. Wander through monumental mosques, shop along sophisticated avenues, and watch whirling dervishes in action. Cruise the Bosphorus for a quick trip to Asia, and end the day relaxing in a Turkish bath. Rick's candid, humorous advice will guide you to good-value hotels and restaurants in delightful neighborhoods. You'll learn how to get around on the city's trams and ferries, and which sights are worth your time and money. More than just reviews and directions, a Rick Steves guidebook is a tour guide in your pocket.