Are you tired of wandering through the identical, soulless corridors of modern shopping malls? Don't you miss places where time seems to stand still, where every corner whispers centuries-old stories, and the air is filled with the dancing aromas of freshly ground coffee and spices? If you're wondering where you can truly feel the commercial spirit and artisanal heart of Turkey, the answer will lead you to two legendary structures: one is the Koza Han in Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, which presented the elegance of silk to the world, and the other is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which houses treasures from all corners of the world in the heart of an empire. This guide will prove that the list of things to do in the Historic Grand Bazaar and Koza Han is much more than just a shopping tour; it's a journey through culture and history. If you're ready, let's start exploring the soul of these two iconic bazaars, finding the most precious products, and enjoying the pleasure of getting lost in their labyrinthine streets!
Take a Tea Break Under the Centuries-Old Plane Trees in Koza Han's Courtyard
The moment you step through the stone gate of Koza Han in Bursa, adorned with turquoise tiles , a sense of peace greets you, instantly isolating you from the city's noise. Unlike the energetic chaos of the massive Grand Bazaar, this place is like a calm and serene oasis. Your eyes will first be drawn to the small mosque in the center of the courtyard, rising elegantly with its octagonal plan and a fountain below. This architectural detail immediately whispers that this is not just a shopping venue.
In fact, this inn was built in 1491 by Sultan II. Bayezid to generate income for his beloved mosque and madrasa in Istanbul. So, that ancient bond between Bursa and Istanbul reveals itself even in the purpose of this inn's construction. Sit down at one of the cafes in the courtyard, order a coffee to relieve your fatigue under the shade of the centuries-old plane trees, and listen to your surroundings. The gentle hum from the silk shops upstairs, the quiet conversations of people, and the sound of water... This moment is a priceless opportunity to breathe within 500 years of history.

This architectural layout—the mosque in the middle of the courtyard surrounded by shops—is living proof of how trade, social life, and faith were intertwined in Ottoman city life. Silk merchants who came here in those days would perform their prayers, stay overnight, and conduct their business. The use of the courtyard as a place for rest and socializing today shows that this historical function continues with a modern interpretation.
Buy Shawls and Fabrics Made from the Famous Bursa Silk
After that sweet break in the courtyard, you've gathered your energy. Now it's time to dive into the inn's original purpose: the magical world of silk. As you climb the stone stairs to the upper floor, a riot of colors will greet you. It's no coincidence that the inn's name is Koza (Cocoon); for centuries, this was the place where silkworm cocoons were bought and sold, the heart of the silk trade.
So what makes Bursa silk so special? With traditional production methods, a single cocoon can yield approximately 1200 meters of unbroken thread. This gives the fabric its unique shine and durability. Almost all of the 50 rooms on the upper floor of the inn are filled with shops selling silk and silk products, keeping this precious heritage alive.

Here you can find 100% silk scarves, shawls, foulards, ties, and even prayer rugs adorned with Iznik tile patterns for yourself or your loved ones. As you browse the shops, you'll feel that you're not just buying a product, but touching a centuries-old craft tradition. Koza Han is like a living monument to the transformation of silk from its raw material, the cocoon, into a dazzling luxury product.
Wander Through the Labyrinthine Streets of the Grand Bazaar
After the boutique and peaceful atmosphere of Koza Han, we now turn our route to the massive and energetic world of the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, the economic center of an empire. This is more than a bazaar; it's like a city within a city. Spanning over 30,000 square meters with more than 60 streets, nearly 4,000 shops, and 22 different gates , getting lost here is not a flaw but a method of discovery.
The foundations of this structure were laid by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1461 to generate income for Hagia Sophia. Throughout history, it has not only been a marketplace but also a financial center, a bank, and the economic heart of the empire. A small tip for finding your way in this labyrinth: the bazaar has two main arteries. One is Kalpakçılar Street, which connects the Nuruosmaniye and Beyazıt gates, and the other is Yağlıkçılar Street, which intersects it vertically. Still, your best guide will be the bazaar's shopkeepers, whom you shouldn't hesitate to ask for directions.

Don't just stick to the main streets. Dive into the side alleys and discover the bazaar's hidden inns (hans). Find the Zincirli Han, the most photogenic with its red facade and green shutters , or the Kalcılar Han, filled with silver workshops. When you see the Cevahir and Sandal Bedestens, which were once high-security vaults where the most valuable jewels and even the public's savings were kept, you will better understand how important a center this was. Among the countless places to visit in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is perhaps the most vibrant and dynamic. The complex structure you see today is actually built on the remnants of a highly organized system that evolved over time, where each street belonged to a specific guild.
While You're Here...
If you want to turn your visit to these historic bazaars into a full-day trip, don't miss the surrounding beauties.
If you're in Bursa: When you leave Koza Han, be sure to visit the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) right next door, an architectural marvel that will enchant you with its giant fountain inside. Afterwards, you can explore the other historic inns of the Hanlar Region.
If you're in Istanbul: You can take a pleasant walk from the Nuruosmaniye gate of the Grand Bazaar towards the historic (https://www.yerelrehber.com/en/explore/things-to-do/eminonu-pier), and on the way, you can immerse yourself in the scents of spices and Turkish delight at the Spice Bazaar.
References
For more in-depth information about the historical and cultural significance of the Grand Bazaar, you can review the relevant page of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism: ((https://kygm.ktb.gov.tr/TR-366/kapalicarsi.html))
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Are Koza Han and the Grand Bazaar open on Sundays?Answer: Koza Han is generally open every day of the week, including Sundays. However, the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and the first days of religious holidays. Be sure to consider this detail when planning your visit.
Question 2: Is it necessary to bargain in these bazaars?Answer: Absolutely, especially in the Grand Bazaar! Bargaining is an integral part of the shopping culture here. You can usually agree on a price slightly lower than the initial asking price. Although Koza Han has more fixed-price boutique stores, politely asking for a discount is always an option if you are buying multiple items.
Question 3: What is the main difference between the two bazaars?Answer: The main difference is scale and specialization. Koza Han is a smaller, quieter, and more peaceful inn specializing in Bursa silk. The Grand Bazaar, on the other hand, is a huge, energetic, and labyrinthine complex with thousands of shops where you can find everything from carpets to spices, jewelry to antiques. One is a focused craft center, while the other is the commercial hub of an empire.


English
Türkçe