I arrived in Istanbul with the smallest carry on suitcase in tow. This meant I couldn’t go wild shopping in the grand bazaars as much as I would love to. What’s more, Istanbul was my first stop in a four-country tour. There was simply no room for stuff in my Lipault. Fortunately, I only had three items on my list of things to absolutely buy in Türkiye; a nazar, a refrigerator magnet and baklava pistachio pastry. Grand Bazaar The Grand Bazaar is a maze of shops selling everything you can think of. Shop windows with jewelry, pottery, Turkish Delights, spices, clothes, souvenirs, colorful lamps, household goods, candy, designer knock-offs and the list seems endless. That may be an exaggeration but as I was walking along the main corridor, I found many side corridors which branched out to many more aisles which then led me to the outdoor stalls surrounding the Grand Bazaar. Grand Bazaar (side corridor) Beautiful pottery I wish I could have brought home the tulip shaped tea glas...
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” - James Michener