Now, it’s time to learn about the architecture of this magnificent bazaar. Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and first largest shopping malls in the world and one of the unique structures that must be seen in Istanbul. The bazaar, located in the center of the city, resembles a giant labyrinth. This means that you should not get caught up in the magic of the Grand Bazaar and get lost in this giant labyrinth. Even if you get lost don’t worry, you will have a pleasant time every minute you are in the Grand Bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar consists of two separate covered bazaars. These two covered bazaars form the core of the Grand Bazaar. The inner covered bazaar (Cevahir Bedesten), is most likely a Byzantine building and measures 48x36 meters and covered with brick domes based on 8 solid columns. The second covered bazaar (Sandal Bedesten) is the second important structure of the Grand Bazaar built by Mehmet the Conqueror. Sandal Bedesten, which has 20 brick domes, rises on 12 elephant feet and measures 40x32 meters.
Located between Nuruosmaniye, Mercan and Beyazit, the bazaar is a magnificent structure with 64 avenues and alleys, two bazaars, 16 inns, 22 gates and 3,600 shops. The roof of the bazaar, which has an area of 45 thousand square meters, is covered with lead and is filled with numerous domes. All shops were built to have the same width. Beyazit, Fesciler, Sahaflar, Kurkculer, Nuriosmaniye, Mahmutpasa, Mercan, Tacirciler ve Oruculer are the main gates of the Grand Bazaar. There are inscriptions and signatures from the Ottoman period on the walls of the bazaar.