The construction of the Grand Bazaar, which dates back to 1461, was started by Fatih Sultan Mehmet and grew and grew with the additions made by different sultans, 61 streets, nearly 4000 shops, 500 stalls and 21 gates, becoming a giant complex of 31000 square metres and becoming the largest covered bazaar in the world.
When it was first built, the bazaar was made of wood and the first one broke out in 1576 and was subjected to many fires, 5 of which were large, but each time it was reborn from the ashes. After the fires, it was shaken by devastating earthquakes, and after the great earthquake in 1766, it was repaired during the reign of Mustafa II and Beyazıt and Nuruosmaniye gates with the characteristics of the Tulip Period were added, and again in 1894 it became unusable after a great earthquake. When the Grand Bazaar could not be used, all trade stopped and it was rebuilt with the financial support of Abdulhamid II and took its present form.
All kinds of products from every corner of the Ottoman Empire and from Asia via the Silk Road were sold here. According to an 1880 census, there were 4399 shops, 2 bedestens, 24 inns, 1 bathhouse, 1 tomb, 1 mosque, 10 masjids, 1 fountain, 8 wells, 2 fountains, 16 fountains in the Grand Bazaar, but it is understood from these documents that many buildings have not survived to the present day.
With the change of conditions over the years, the entry of shopping centres and international brands into the market, the Grand Bazaar has lost its old charm, but although its customers and tradesmen have changed, its streets are full of tourists from all over the world.
