Istanbul Antiques Shopping

In a city 2000 years old, you'd expect to find some antiques. Istanbul certainly has them.

I hasten to draw the important distinction between antiques—objects up to a century or so old, interesting, perhaps pretty (or funky), but of no high cultural/artistic value—and antiquities, museum-quality objects more than a century old from Turkey's rich and deep past such as Hittite,  Hellenic,  Roman,  Byzantine,  Selçuk and  Ottoman artifacts, coins, statues, fine antique tiles, carpets, armaments, etc.

It's illegal to buy, sell, or export antiquities from Turkey. Penalties are severe. Don't do it! Stick to antiques. More...

Old Bazaar in the Grand Bazaar

You'll probably visit Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) at least once during your trip. At the very center of the vast covered market is the Old Bazaar, the oldest part of the complex, dating from the days of the Byzantine Empire. It's appropriate that this is where the most valuable antiques, old coins, jewellery, porcelain, faience, objects of silver, gold and amber, and other treasures are stored. Have a look! More...

Çukurcuma Antiques District

The best-known district for antique-shopping in Istanbul is the Çukurcuma neighborhood down the hill southeast of Galatasaray Square in Beyoğlu (map). If you're really into antiques, plan to stay in neighboring Cihangir so you can search the dozens of antiques shops conveniently. More...

Üsküdar Antiques Street

On the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in Üsküdar, an antiques and ecological bazaar is held each Saturday in the summer months at the International Art Center, Selami Ali Mahallesi, Gazi Caddesi, Görümce Sokak No. 7, Bağlarbaşı (map; tel. +90 (216) 310 83 94). More...

Ethnicon/Dhoku Carpets 

Owner Memet Gureli runs EthniCon and Dhoku in Istanbul to sell some of the highest quality Turkish carpets to consumers from around the world. He is a third generation carpet salesman who has been selling in the Grand Bazaar for 45 years. As the most award-winning rug company in Turkey, EthniCon offers outstanding prices for their Turkish carpets of the highest quality and style without overcharging customers, as many carpet shops do. 

Tell Dhoku/Ethnicon Carpets that "Turkey Travel Planner sent you" for best pricing, often times additional discounts, and assurance of an excellent experience because of the valued TTP recommendation!

Iznik Works Ceramics

Iznik Works has been a trusted name in Turkish ceramics for years, located in Grand Bazaar, and featuring a vast selection of reproductions of Seljuk and Ottoman works. There are 4 locations to choose from in the Grand Bazaar so don't miss out on this shop that brings history and traditional artwork together for it's customers.

Tell Iznik Works that "Turkey Travel Planner sent you" for best pricing, often times additional discounts, and assurance of an excellent experience because of the valued TTP recommendation!

—by Tom Brosnahan