Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
Shopping
Over centuries, İstanbullus have perfected the practice of shopping. Trading is in
their blood and they've turned making a sale or purchase into an art form. Go in-
to any carpet shop and you'll see what we mean - there's etiquette to be fol-
lowed, tea to be drunk, conversation to be had. And, of course, there's money to
be spent and made.
Top Tips
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Lokum
(Turkish delight) makes a great present for those at home. It's sold in speciality shops around the city.
Bathwares
Towels,
peştemals
and bathrobes made on hand looms in southern Turkey are popular pur-
chases, as are olive-oil soaps and hamam sets (soap, exfoliation glove and hamam bowl).
Carpets & Kilims
The carpet industry is rife with commissions, fakes and dodgy merchandise, so you need to
be extremely wary in all of your dealings.
Textiles
Turkey's southeast is known for its textiles, and there are examples aplenty on show in the
Grand Bazaar. Also look for decorative tribal textiles that have made their way here from
Central Asia. These are often sold in carpet shops.
