Grand Bazaar Prepares to Return to its Former Glory

The Grand Bazaar, one of the jewels of Istanbul, is returning to its former glory with the comprehensive restoration process that has been going on in stages for two years.

The restoration work initiated by Fatih Municipality, Istanbul Governorship and Grand Bazaar property owners with a solid protocol is ongoing. The work carried out together with the Council of Monuments and the Council of Science has been carried out with a team of 100 people. The roof of the Grand Bazaar has been completely repaired, and waste water and clean water channels have been replaced within the scope of the restoration. Earthquake strengthening, superstructure, infrastructure, roof, main walls and hand-drawn works on the ceilings have come to an end. While the retrofitting works continue in the remaining part of the bazaar, the restoration of 21 gates has been completed. After the renewal of the electricity and fibre cables, the work on the preservation of the cables in order to give an aesthetic appearance continues.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's first shopping centres established in the busiest district of Istanbul. It was built on 45 thousand square metres of covered area. There are more than 3600 shops on 65 streets and nearly 25 thousand employees. With its 14 inns, the Grand Bazaar was founded in 1460 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and was continuously expanded and developed in the following years. With its 22 individual gates, this world's oldest and largest covered bazaar has been the trade centre of Istanbul for 563 years.