Istanbul's Spice Bazaar

 The atmospheric Spice Bazaar of Istanbul

One of the quintessential Istanbul is the atmospheric Spice Bazaar, a veritable treat for all your senses, located at the southern end of the Galata Bridge in Eminönü, Istanbul. 


The mesmerising aromas of Cinnamon, Za'atar, Sumac, Saffron, Mint, Oregano, Marjoram, Thyme, and every other conceivable herb and spice under the sun permeate the air, adding much to the lively ambience of the place. Added to the mix are the assortment of alternative remedies for aches and pains, scents, fragrant soaps and aphrodisiacs that have beguiled mankind through the centuries. And if that weren't enough, you find dazzling traditional curios straight out of the tales of One Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Prepare for a magic carpet ride that will leave you breathless!

Spice of Life

Here you will find an ample supply of Spices (baharat), Nuts (kuruyemiş), Honeycomb (petekbal), Turkish delight (lokum), Dried fruit and vegetables (kuru meyve ve sebze), Aged Turkish cheese (eski kaşar), Caviar (the Iranian variety) and Smoked or dried beef (pastırma). etc.

For centuries, spices were considered desirable substances coming from unfamiliar parts of the world. That's why it was always described with adjectives like exotic, expensive, unique, and luxurious; all of which allude to the perceptions of its alluring transformative powers to turn ordinary into extraordinary, even heavenly. 

A Visual tour of Istanbul's Spice Bazaar

A typical shop

Assorted Spices packed to go

Dried veggies

Handmade fragrant soaps

Spice powders

Artisan chess sets 

Dried fruits

Nazar Boncuğu - the talisman to ward off evil eyes

Cured meats

Mysterious scents

Curios from the Tales of the 1000 Arabian Nights

Cezve - traditional copper coffee pot

Turkish Delight, or Lokum

Iranian saffron

Traditional Turkish Teaset, Çaydanlık and Çay Bardağı

More Turkish Delight, or Lokum

Turkish mosaic lamps

History of Istanbul's Spice Bazaar

By the end of the sixteenth century, Valide Sultans or sultan mothers had started to have political power and they came into the scene as architectural patronesses in the Ottoman Empire.

The construction of this complex of buildings was initiated in 1597 by the sultan’s mother, Hatice Turhan Sultan, wife of Sultan Murad III and the mother of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet IV, and it was completed in 1664. 

 

The L-shaped building covering a floor space of 6000 sqm, is itself a part of a pious külliye (foundation or complex) called the Yeni Camii (New Mosque complex) consisting of a mosque, shops, a till, two water kiosks, a hadith school and elementary school. 

The revenues obtained from the rented shops inside the bazaar building were used for the upkeeping of the mosque. During the Ottoman Empire, the Pious Foundations would be defined as organizations of civil society focused on serving the people in need. Those virtuous institutions were based on the Islamic concept of charity. The spiritual and material integrity of these charities was supported by the large complex of buildings called imaret with various facilities surrounding a mosque such as schools, dervish lodges, soup kitchens, drinking fountains, baths, markets, and bazaars. 

To legitimize their power, the revenues of those commercial institutions were assigned for the expenses of the religious foundations. 

The bazaars of the Ottoman Empire would be organized in such a way as public spheres where all the society came together. These commercial areas, far away from the residential areas, would comprise a covered or open main street or streets where stores and workshops stood in line.
There was a Bazaar by the name of “Makron Envalos” in Byzantine times in the same location as today’s Spice Bazaar. According to legend, the bazaar was built with taxes collected from Cairo, Egypt, thus the Turkish name 'Mısır Çarşısı', meaning "Egyptian Bazaar". 

Spices from Southeast Asia, India, and Egypt and distributed to Europe in Istanbul, the most important point of the Silk Road. During the Ottoman Empire, the bazaar acted as a pharmacy for many years.  Based on official recorded history, Istanbul had developed a spice trade with the Venetians as early as the 13th century.

Despite suffering two major fires in 1691 and 1940, the bazaar was rebuilt and the most recent renovations were completed in 2018. 

A brief introduction to some of the popular spices

Za'atar

Za'atar is a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern spice blend that is both a seasoning and a condiment. It typically includes a mix of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram, combined with sumac (a tangy, citrusy spice), toasted sesame seeds, and salt.

Sumac

This maroon or burgundy-coloured spice is made from the berries of the wild Rhus Coriaria bush. Its citric tartness comes from malic acid.  Use it in salad dressings instead of lemon, or stir it into freshly steamed vegetables with a little olive oil.

Saffron

Negin Iranian Saffron - highest quality stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower is often referred to as "red gold," is the most prized and high-quality saffron in the world. It has a rich, earthy, and slightly sweet flavour with a floral and honey-like aroma and is believed to have health benefits, including antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its vibrant colour comes from crocin, while safranal contributes to its unique fragrance.

Pul Biber

These dried red pepper flakes are a mainstay of Turkish dishes and comes in varying degrees of spiciness so it's best to taste before you buy and look out for isot biber – a smoky variety from Sanliurfa. Sprinkle it into stews, or over grilled meat.

Nar Ekşisi 

This is a Pomegranate Sauce/Sour made from a pomegranate reduction, this thick, viscous syrup is another Turkish kitchen essential. Use in the place of Balsamic vinegar to sharpen up a salad, or to create a marinade or glaze for salmon or poultry.

Çörek otu 

Known in English as Nigella seeds (or black cumin), the name literally translates to "bun's herb." Sprinkle it onto bread, cakes, or savoury pastries, just before baking.  

Reference

Spice Bazaar. (2022, September 20). Istanbul.com. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://istanbul.com/about-city/the-spice-bazaar