It's
A Bit Bazaar
By Soharni Tennekoon
Historical monuments, scenic vistas, fresh seafood and homicidal trams aside, Istanbul is home to one of the world's largest covered markets, one which sees between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
Traipsing through
the 58 streets of the Kapali Carsi or Grand Bazaar is a
must-see if ever in the city. An array of jewellery, pottery,
spice, fabric and carpet shops are decked out to dizzying
effect amid this labyrinth of delicately adorned, domed
ceilings and vaulted roofs.
The sheer scale
and colour of the market can be daunting especially when
trying to keep track of your possessions, your friends
and your budget. Merchants are charming and persistent
so be polite but firm and haggle hard. Average price of
an antique sterling silver ring with semi-precious stone:
10 quid.
Soharni Tennekoon is a journalist
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