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The Wednesday Market (Çarşamba Pazarı) is one of the oldest and largest in Istanbul. It’s spread throughout the streets around the Fatih Mosque and in the Çarşamba neighborhood.
Introduction to the Wednesday Market
A visit to the market is a fantastic experience for anyone visiting the city. Hundreds of stalls are set up and traffic stops for a day to allow locals to shop for everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing to household goods and electronics. It’s easy to spend a few hours walking through the market, which is my favorite in Istanbul.
Personally, I enjoy the food stalls out of all the vendors. They’re the most colorful and appeal to the senses more than other stalls.
Bargains
There are bargains to be found on everything! We were able to get olives, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and delicious Turkish cheeses for great prices. Needless to say, we had an amazing dinner that night back at our friend Selen’s apartment.
Local Life
The best part of the Wednesday Market is the chance to witness local life. Although it’s definitely not a tourist market like the Grand Bazaar, I find the vendors to be friendly and often greeting me with a smile. Many are genuinely interested in having foreign visitors and are very honest about prices Some even speak English and are happy to chat and give samples.
The Wednesday Market is safe, fun, friendly, and a great overall experience. As it’s in a very conservative area, dress modestly and be discreet with your cameras. Be prepared for a lot of walking.
