The Egyptian Spice Bazaar, also called Mısır Çarşısı, is a historic covered market in Istanbul’s Eminönü district. Built as a foundation for the New Mosque, it brings shops selling spices, Turkish delight, jewelry and gifts together in a compact market setting.
- Location: Eminönü, Istanbul
- History: Construction began in 1660 and finished in 1664
- Shops: Sources give different counts: 86 and 130
- Hours: Open daily
- Transit: T5 Eminönü station connects with the T1 tram and City Lines piers
Where is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar in Eminönü?
The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is in Eminönü, a waterfront district in Istanbul. Its location near the New Mosque links the market to the area’s religious and commercial history. The bazaar was commissioned by Turhan Hatice, the mother of Sultan Mehmed IV, and built as a foundation for the mosque.
The name “Egyptian Bazaar” came into public use from the 18th century. The bazaar was financed through taxes from Cairo, which explains the name’s connection to Egypt. If you’re planning to visit other historic markets in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar guide covers another major market.
What can you find inside the market?
The bazaar’s shops include spices, herbalist goods, Turkish delight, jewelry, delicatessen items and gifts. The traders’ association describes a two-floor complex with one restaurant. Shop totals differ between sources: Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism gives a count of 86, while the association gives 130.
The market’s plan is described as I-shaped by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and L-shaped by Istanbul’s municipal tourism page. The municipal page names six gates: Tahmis, Haseki, Flower Market, Yeni Cami, Ketenciler and Eminönü.
When is the bazaar open, and what should you know?
Its published hours do not specify holiday closures, so check the official site before you go by consulting the association’s current information.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00–19:30
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The market’s history includes several periods of damage and rebuilding. A fire greatly damaged the bazaar on January 2, 1691, and it was damaged again in 1940. Renovation carried out from 1940 to 1943 gave it its current shape.
How do you connect the market with the waterfront?
The T5 Eminönü–Alibeyköy Tram Line connects Eminönü with other parts of the city and links at its Eminönü station with the T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar Tram Line and City Lines piers. That makes the tram station a useful point to include when planning a market visit and time by the waterfront. The nearby Sirkeci district offers useful context for the area.
Metro Istanbul gives T5 operating hours as 06:00–00:00. The line is 10.1 km long, has 14 stations and takes 32 minutes for a one-way journey. Its station entrances have ramps, and the stations are suitable for low-floor tram vehicles. The Istanbul public transport guide from Sirkeci explains connections for continuing your trip from the district.
How do you get from Sirkeci to Eminönü?
Sirkeci and Eminönü make a natural pair for a market outing. Sirkeci station is about a one-minute walk from Viva Deluxe Hotel; from there, you can plan your onward route toward Eminönü using Istanbul’s public transport connections.
If you’re comparing tram connections for the rest of your day, the public transport guide focuses on getting around from Sirkeci.
FAQs
What is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar called in Turkish?
Its Turkish name is Mısır Çarşısı. It is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar.
When was the Egyptian Spice Bazaar built?
Construction began in 1660 and was completed in 1664. The bazaar was commissioned by Turhan Hatice as a foundation for the New Mosque.
How many shops does the bazaar have?
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism gives a count of 86 shops, while the traders’ association gives 130. The sources therefore provide different totals.