Turkish Treasures Uncovered At The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

If you're looking for an exquisite carpet to elevate your home decor, you’ll want to start at Cinar Hali’s boutique. Even if you're just window shopping, you’ll need some time to get through the heaps of hand-woven silk and wool rugs. Hayrullah Çınar started the family dynasty of carpet making in the 1930s. The newer generations of the Cinar family have modernized the carpet business and even opened up a boutique in New York City.

“Ethnic” and “contemporary” carpets are what you’ll find at Ethnicon. Each of their pileless woven rugs meets the current fashion trends head-on. Think of your traditional kilim with a unique twist. Kilims reinvented. Patchwork carpets that are as culturally diverse as Turkey itself. Shop here if you're searching for a special piece to take home with you. Not too traditional, with just the right amount of modernness. Find Ethnicon at Takkeciler Sokak, the street famous for carpet stores in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

Translated to “chubby Osman”, this store is serious about their carpets. Having displayed their wares at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC you know you're in for a treat the moment you enter the Sisko Osman store. You’ll find antique rugs and kilims among the fine collection. A majestic 1910 Imperial carpet is part of his collector's items. So legendary is Sisko Osman in the Grand Bazaar, no matter where you are, other shopkeepers will point you in his direction.

The sister store of Ethnicon, Dhoku (which means “texture” in Turkish) is home to streamlined contemporary designs. A combination of earthy tones and patterns with a mix of modern styles makes for an interesting shopping experience. The prices are fixed at the Dhoku shops and your purchases are delivered directly to your hotel should you wish. Consider your purchase a piece of artwork beneath your feet. Pure luxury!

Original designs with a blend of traditional Ottoman touches make up the jewelry and homeware accessories by Özlem Tuna. Take home a few one-of-a-kind coffee mugs and tea cups to continue your east meets west journey in your home. Sip on Turkish coffee while marveling at the whimsical artwork on your unique ceramics. Besides designs from founder Özlem Tuna, you will find progressive pieces from a host of upcoming Turkish designers.

Iznik pottery is a type of decorated ceramic ware produced in the town of Iznik in Turkey. You’ll find many ceramic shops in Grand Bazaar selling Iznik ceramics, Iznik-Art being one of them. After exploring the mosques and museums of Istanbul you'll wish you could take a piece of the striking Ottoman designs home with you. Here you can find many classically-designed vases, plates, and bowls that resemble the likes of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.

Iznik Works is home to fine artistry captured perfectly in each piece of pottery and tile. Imagine the kaleidoscope of colors of Turkey captured in fine ceramics. You can gaze upon your limited edition pieces in the comfort of your own home. Iznik Works sells conversational pieces that can be ordered online or in person at one of their four stores located in the Grand Bazaar. If you're in search of something specific they will find it for you.

Bring back a gorgeously fashioned gem home with you…a piece that will conjure up visions of Istanbul. This store can be found in the Cevahir Bedesten (jewelry market) of the Grand Bazaar. Inside you'll find jewelry encrusted in precious stones like rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Other jewelry includes semi-precious stones that make the perfect gifts for those dear to you. Ali Güleç will have you sipping on apple tea while picking out your special sparklers.

Over-the-top grandeur is the most fitting way to describe the jewelry collections of Sevan Bıçakçı. Each collection is a fairytale born from the mind of the artist and craftsman Sevan. He started his journey into jewelry making at the tender age of 12. The culture of Anatolia, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire all play a role in bringing to life each piece of jewelry. Shop for your unique piece of treasure hidden among the gems.

Traditional Turkish designs, vintage baubles, and evil eye jewelry are but a few of the pieces you’ll find at the Grand Bazaar jewelry shop. Statement jewels that are handmade by local artisans make it easy for you to have all eyes on you wherever you go. Whether you're in search of glamorous gold jewelry or delicate semi-precious stones there's a sure-fire match for you among the thousands of grand designs.

If you're on the hunt for custom leather jackets or fur coats then Koç Leather should be at the top of your list to visit. The family-run luxury fashion house has been in existence since 1968. Less mass production more handcrafted quality. The true judge of the Koç Leather quality is when you see it in person and drape it on yourself. A genuine leather connoisseur will know the authenticity when they see it.

Prens Leather boutique is situated just outside of the Nuruosmaniye Gate of the Grand Bazaar. Get ready to be taken on a journey of leather making over two floors of stylishness. Prens will even transfer you from your hotel to the store. An ode to their motto of “unconditional customer satisfaction”. Find your tailored-fit leather garment and accessory to match or custom make something special. In true Istanbul fashion, you’ll find both traditional and contemporary styles.

With a keen focus on current global trends, you’ll find high-quality leather wear at the Punto Deri store in Grand Bazaar. The chic designs have also made their way to the luxury fashion district of Nisantasi. Punto has two stores here to find your finest fur or statement leather piece. The sun may be scorching out in the streets of Istanbul, but don’t let that deter you from making a fine investment in classic Turkish workmanship.

If you're a self-professed bathing enthusiast, Abdulla offers you the opportunity to match your bathroom linen and accessories exquisitely. Create an at-home hammam experience with their essential oil soaps, deluxe bathrobes, and flatweave pestemals. Abdulla products are all naturally focused and environmentally friendly. Take the exotic scent of Turkey with you. The Abdulla store makes the perfect escape from a long day of shopping. You’ll be greeted by an air of calm and a whiff of luxury.

Silk and cashmere scarves have made a name for Ottoamano as one of Grand Bazaar’s finest textile traders. There’s a vast range of colors and patterns to choose from. Shelf after shelf of unique designs from subtle and simple to bold and vibrant. The selection is as neverending as the maze of streets that make up the Grand Bazaar itself. Drape yourself in the colors of the Middle East and satisfy your wanderlust wherever you go.

If the whole Grand Bazaar experience has you feeling overwhelmed follow the tried and tested route. Yazzma designs have featured in Istanbul’s trendy Soho House so you know you won't go wrong when shopping here for some timeless textiles. Wall hangings spun from silk and hand-embroidered pillowcases will spruce up any living space. Yazzma offers a modern take on suzani and ikat textiles which add a special touch of the east to your collection.

The items on offer at Dervis are unique pieces from various parts of Anatolia. Each kimono, dress, scarf, or bag has traveled a mystical journey to get to you. There are a few prized vintage and antique garments that deserve a special place as collector items. Specially collected from small villages across Anatolia, these hand-made dresses date back to the 1900s. Dervis also houses a selection of home and bath textiles just as luxurious as their clothing.

Hand-woven works of art are what you’ll find at Cashmere House. Brought from hidden corners of the world and delivered to you with a cup of tea and a smile, Grand Bazaar style. Kaftans and shawls of silk and cashmere conjure up visions of Turkey in their intricate designs. A shawl is as versatile as a little black dress. The traditional patterns go from subtle and earthy to bold showstoppers. A visit to Grand Bazaar isn't complete without bagging a kaftan or shawl.

Since 1976 Sofa has been established as one of the outstanding antique dealers in Istanbul. The store is a treasure box of handpicked collectibles waiting for its next lucky owner. They keep an extensive range of artwork, gold and silverware, and antique jewelry to name a few. Each antique has a story to be told. Owner Kashif Sofa is the chief storyteller, who will bring to life the tales of each item in his store.

The location of Istanbul has made it a melting pot of cross cultures. At Eski, you can find relics from Russia, Germany, Greece, and Egypt all in one place. Collect rare masks, medallions, and jewelry from the 19th and 20th centuries. The type of antiquity found in Grand Bazaar is truly one of a kind. If you see something you like at a price you agree upon, then we suggest you take the offer.

Shopping in this 19th-century styled shop is not for the bargain hunter. The high-end antiques on sale at Epoque range in price from $1,000 to $200,000. Although the store is frequented by some of Turkey’s most affluent families they welcome all shoppers to browse without pressure of making a purchase. The shop is a quiet respite from the buzz of the Kapalıçarşı. Go here for a history lesson on the intriguing collectibles.