Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 into any carpet shop and you'll see what we mean
- there's etiquette to be followed, tea to be drunk, conversation to be
had. And, of course, there's money to be spent and made.
Grand Bazaar
GARY YEOWELL/GETTY IMAGES ©
What to Buy
ANTIQUES
The grand Ottoman-era houses of İstanbul are still surrendering treasures. Head to the an-
take home, but note that it is officially illegal to take anything over 100 years old out of the
country. In reality, though, officials are only worried about objects from the Classical, Byz-
antine or early Ottoman eras.
BATHWARES
Attractive towels,
peştemals
(bath wraps) and bathrobes made on hand looms in southern
Turkey are sold in designer bathwares shops around the city. Other popular purchases in-
clude olive-oil soaps and hamam sets with soap, shampoo, an exfoliation glove and a
hamam bowl.
