Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOPPING
The best shopping in Sultanahmet is found in and around the Arasta Bazaar . This historic arcade of
shops was once part of the
külliye
(mosque complex) of the Blue Mosque and rents still go towards the
mosque's upkeep. Some of Turkey's best-known rug and ceramic dealers have shops in the surround-
ing streets.
| CARPETS, TEXTILES
COCOON
OFFLINE MAP
many rug and textile shops in İstanbul that choosing individual shops to recommend is in-
credibly difficult. We had no problem whatsoever in singling this one out, though. Felt
hats, antique costumes and textiles from central Asia are artfully displayed in one store,
while rugs from Persia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Anatolia adorn the other. There's a
another shop in the Arasta Bazaar and a third in the Grand Bazaar.
KHAFTAN
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| ART, ANTIQUES
antique Kütahya and İznik ceramics to collectors and museums here and overseas, so you
can be sure that the pieces he sells in his own establishment are top-notch. Gleaming Russi-
an icons, delicate calligraphy (old and new), ceramics, Karagöz puppets and contemporary
paintings are all on show in this gorgeous shop.
MEHMET ÇETİNKAYA
GALLERY
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| CARPETS, TEXTILES
Çetinkaya is known as one of the country's foremost experts on antique oriental carpets and
kilims. His flagship store-cum-gallery stocks items that have artistic and ethnographic sig-
nificance, and is full of treasures. There's a second shop selling rugs, textiles and objects in
the Arasta Bazaar.
TULU
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| HOMEWARES
homeware stores taking İstanbul by storm, Tulu is owned by American Elizabeth Hewitt, a
