Istanbul Shopping Guide: 16 Turkish Items to Bring Home, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, known throughout history as Byzantium and Constantinople, has been a major center of commerce and trade, a place where merchants and general folk would rush to regularly in search of exotic things. In our days, modern travelers to Istanbul are also bound to enjoy a truly magnificent shopping experience. The sheer number of shops, bazaars, goods and insistent shopkeepers here is, indeed, overwhelming. To focus your search and make your shopping experience in Istanbul memorable in a good sense, check out the list of suggested gift items reflecting the true spirit of Turkey and learn where they to find them at the best possible prices.

Turkish ceramics, renowned for their rich colors and elaborate designs, are available for sale in Istanbul in great variety. Originally created to imitate Chinese pottery, Iznik craftsmen in Anatolia quickly developed their own style and patterns. By the 16th century, under Suleyman the Magnificent, this style of pottery was in full swing. Turkish artisans love combining geometric patterns with carnation, roses, hyacinths and above all, tulips. Many different techniques for glazing, firing and creating colors have been discovered over the centuries, allowing for the creation of a multitude of ceramic products. Small plates start at around 20TL and the prices can rise to around 200TL for larger, more intricately painted plates. These plates are found throughout the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet, Spice Market and Istiklal Caddesi. An excellent shop, specializing in hand-painted ceramics, is Beyoglu El Sanatlari Evi (Istiklal Caddesi No: 180/A, Tünel, Phone: 212 293 99 90). Located near the upper Tünel entrance in Istiklal Caddesi, this family-run business is easily accessible. They are open 7 days a week from 9:30am to 9pm. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).