When you find yourself humming that famous folk song that begins "Çanakkale içinde..." ("Inside Çanakkale..."), do you think you truly know the historic place it describes? For most of us, Aynalı Çarşı is a legendary place brought to life in the verses of a song, wrapped in heroism and sorrow. But what if I told you that the story of this bazaar is much deeper, much more layered than you know? This is not just a shopping destination; it is the memory of a city, a meeting point of different cultures, and a monument that has risen from its ashes.

In this article, we promise to take you far beyond a simple list of things to do in Aynalı Çarşı. We invite you to step through that famous red stone gate and discover the whispers echoing in its corridors, the treasures hidden in its shops, and the history absorbed by its walls. This is the beating heart of Çanakkale, and everything you need to know to make this visit unforgettable is right here. Come on, let's uncover the secrets behind these historic walls together!

Stroll Through the Historic Bazaar Featured in the "Çanakkale İçinde" Folk Song

Before you step into Aynalı Çarşı, listen to the poignant melody playing in your mind. Yes, we're talking about the "Çanakkale Türküsü" (the Çanakkale Folk Song). This song has so profoundly shaped the soul of the bazaar that it's nearly impossible to separate the two. Believed to originate from the Kastamonu region and said to be written from the perspective of a soldier heading to the front, this lament has transformed Aynalı Çarşı from a marketplace into a symbol identified with the sorrow and heroism of the Gallipoli Campaign in our national memory.   

However, the interesting part is that the bazaar's true identity is quite different from this somber image. When you look above the magnificent red stone entrance gate, you are greeted by an inscription in three languages: Ottoman Turkish, Hebrew (in the Ladino dialect), and French. This inscription tells us that the bazaar was built in 1889 under the patronage of Sultan Abdülhamid II by Eliyau Hallio, one of the prominent figures of the city's Jewish community. Its original name was not a line from a folk song, but a rather European one: "Passage Hallio". This multilingual inscription is silent proof of how cosmopolitan and vibrant a port city Çanakkale was before the war.   

So, why "Aynalı Çarşı" (the Mirrored Bazaar)? This is one of history's sweetest mysteries. The official inscription makes no mention of this name. According to the most popular theory, when the bazaar was first built, there were large mirrors on both sides of the entrance, said to dazzle the eyes of horses, and it began to be known by this name among the public. But whatever the real reason, the power of the folk song has overshadowed the official name. The "Aynalı Çarşı" on the tongues and in the hearts of the people has made the stone-carved "Passage Hallio" forgotten. This situation is one of the most striking examples of how cultural memory and art can shape the identity of a place. A folk song has forever changed the destiny of a building.   

The bazaar's story doesn't end with this name mystery. It was heavily damaged by the bombardment of the British navy during the Gallipoli Campaign, turning it into a ruin. During the occupation years, it suffered a great indignity by being used as a stable for horses by the British. After years of neglect, Aynalı Çarşı was restored multiple times to its present state, becoming not just a commercial center but also a symbol of the city's resistance and rebirth.   

Shop for Local Souvenirs and Ceramic Products

Returning from the depths of history to the present day, Aynalı Çarşı welcomes you with a vibrant shopping atmosphere. The bazaar, which once housed everyday shops like greengrocers and spice sellers, has been transformed after restorations into a center focused entirely on tourism and souvenirs, now home to about 60 shops. But don't mistake this for an ordinary tourist bazaar; every object on the shelves carries a piece of Çanakkale's soul.   

What will you find here? Of course, the first things that catch your eye are mementos referencing the city's rich history. Miniature figurines symbolizing the Gallipoli Campaign, figures of Seyit Onbaşı (Corporal Seyit) carrying an artillery shell, towels with the "Dur Yolcu" ("Halt, Traveller") poem written on them, and of course, Trojan Horse statues made of various materials and sizes are among the most popular items. These small objects are not just gifts, but tangible memories of a great epic.   

However, the real treasure of Aynalı Çarşı is hidden in the ceramic shops tucked away in its corners. Çanakkale, and especially Bozcaada, has a deep-rooted ceramic tradition, and this bazaar is one of the best places to find handmade, unique ceramic products. Colorful plates, uniquely designed mugs, fish-shaped wall ornaments... Each of these items, crafted by an artist, is a wonderful option to add an artistic touch from Çanakkale to your home. If you want to learn more about the rich ceramic tradition of the region, you can visit the Çanakkale Ceramics Museum.

Don't limit your shopping to just figurines and ceramics. As you browse the shops, authentic jewelry, handmade accessories, and local woven products will also catch your attention. You might even come across gourmet products like Çanakkale's famous Ezine cheese, olive oils, poppy sherbet, or cheese halva in some shops.   

Feel the Historic Texture and Atmosphere of the Bazaar

You may leave Aynalı Çarşı with your hands full, but the most valuable thing you'll take from here won't fit in your bags: the spirit of the bazaar. The magic of this place is hidden not just in the products sold, but in the indescribable atmosphere that has seeped into its stone walls, arched ceiling, and narrow corridor. Therefore, our advice is to forget about shopping for a moment and just focus on feeling.   

The moment you step through that red stone gate, the noise of the city is left behind, and a dim, cool, and calm world greets you. Walk slowly down the corridor. Watch the patterns created by the light filtering through the stained glass windows on the stone floor. Greet the friendly shopkeepers; most of them will be happy to tell you stories about the bazaar. They are the living guardians of this historic place.   

Shall we let you in on a secret? The magic touch that will truly transform your visit... Put on your headphones and play your favorite version of the "Çanakkale Türküsü" in the background. As you walk through the bazaar guided by the melody, you will suddenly feel the walls come to life. In that moment, the modern shop windows fade away, replaced by the farewells of young men going to the front, the prayers of those left behind, and the heavy but honorable burden of history. This simple act can turn an ordinary trip into a personal commemorative ritual where you connect with the past.   

Some visitors might feel a slight disappointment upon seeing that the bazaar is smaller than they imagined. Yes, Aynalı Çarşı is not a massive structure like Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. But its strength lies precisely in its intimacy and boutique nature. This is not a labyrinth to get lost in, but a historical jewelry box in the very heart of Çanakkale, where you can savor and explore every corner. Aynalı Çarşı is located right in the heart of the city, and you can reach many places on foot from here. Don't forget to check out our Çanakkale Tours guide when planning your visit.

While You're Here...

If you still have energy after exploring Aynalı Çarşı, there are a few more wonderful stops waiting for you in the center of Çanakkale. The bazaar is so centrally located that you can reach these places with just a few minutes' walk :   

The Kordon (Waterfront): When you exit the bazaar and walk towards the coast, you'll find yourself on Çanakkale's famous Kordon. Here, you can see the huge Trojan Horse prop used in the 2004 movie "Troy" and enjoy a coffee with a view of the strait.   

Çimenlik Castle and Nusret Mine Layer: Located right next to the Kordon, the Çanakkale Naval Museum complex is a must-see for history enthusiasts. You can visit the historic Çimenlik Castle and a replica of the legendary Nusret Mine Layer, which changed the course of the war.   

Çanakkale City Museum and Archive: If you're curious not only about the city's war history but also its social and cultural past, you should add this museum, located very close to Aynalı Çarşı, to your list.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Aynalı Çarşı and what are the visiting hours? No, visiting Aynalı Çarşı is completely free. The bazaar is generally open every day from 08:30 in the morning until late in the evening, but the opening and closing times of the shops may vary depending on the season and crowd.   

Why is the bazaar called "Aynalı" (Mirrored)? Although this name is not mentioned in the official inscription, the most common belief is that there used to be large mirrors on both sides of the entrance reflecting the goods of the shops. Additionally, its mention in the "Çanakkale İçinde" folk song has cemented this name in the public's memory.   

What is the most special gift to buy from Aynalı Çarşı? This completely depends on your personal taste! For history buffs, a figurine symbolizing the Gallipoli Campaign or a Trojan Horse statue would be a great choice. If you are looking for a more authentic and artistic gift, the region's unique handmade ceramic products or local jewelry would be unforgettable souvenirs.   

References

For more official information about the historical and cultural significance of Aynalı Çarşı, you can visit the relevant page of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism.(https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/canakkale/gezilecekyer/aynali-carsi)