ISTANBUL, Türkei / Türkiye — Türkische Delikatesse mit Rosenwassergeschmack (auf Türkisch Lokum) zum Verkauf auf dem Gewürzbasar (auch bekannt als ägyptischer Basar) in Istanbul, Türkei.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, constructed in 1664, represents one of the largest spice trading venues in the city. Originally named Misir Carsisi (Egyptian Bazaar) due to the spices imported from Egypt during the Ottoman period, the bazaar consists of an L-shaped building with 88 rooms covered by vaults. The structure forms part of the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) complex and was built using revenues from the Ottoman eyalet of Egypt. The bazaar measures 45 meters long and features six gates, connecting to the Golden Horn and the mosque complex. Historically, the venue served as Istanbul's center for spice trade, though modern vendors also sell other traditional Turkish products including tea, dried fruits, traditional sweets, and local delicacies. The building underwent major restoration between 1940 and 1943, and again in 2013 to preserve its historic architecture and structural integrity. The Spice Bazaar operates as the second largest covered shopping complex in Istanbul after the Grand Bazaar, occupying a crucial position in the city's historic peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
