Turkiye’s Grand Bazaar is one of the last places on our planet to keep the vanishing artisan professions alive and true to their roots. Historians and archeologists base the historically significant jewelry traditions on Asia Minor’s cultural norms and jewelry production history of over 5000 years. In contrast to mass-produced jewelry, Grand Bazaar’s hidden corners offer a great variety of one-of-a-kind custom handmade pieces that traditional craftsmen and craftswomen make uniquely for you.

The extensiveness of the Grand Bazaar makes it a great spot to shop for custom jewelry, not only because of its exceptional craftsmanship, but also due to its great variety of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Our knowledgeable shopping guides can optimize your route to only the best of the jewelers in the giant bazaar’s hidden alleys and assist you throughout the shopping and negotiation process to make the process as smooth as possible and ensure you get the best value.

With varied and vibrant colors, intricate patterns, superior craftsmanship, and plush weaves, traditional handmade Turkish carpets are veritable works of art that add comfort, style, and cohesion to your home. More than a thing of beauty, rugs have been integral to Turkiye for generations and in Turkish culture, it is traditional to have a carpet where families sit the most. What makes these rugs truly precious is the sheer amount of time it takes to craft each one, taking months, or even years, to craft each intricate pattern by hand. Turkish rugs range in quality with silk rugs being the most premium quality and expensive variety.

Rugs can be made from wool, cotton, silk, and combinations of the three, with each rug’s motif reflecting the region in which the rug was made. The rug’s knot density correlates to the rug’s plushness, with higher knot densities creating a more thick and luxurious rug. While there are many places to shop for the best Turkish carpet, a knowledgeable eye is required to verify the authentic quality of the rug. Our knowledgeable shopping guides will show you all the right places to browse stunning, authentic Turkish rugs to make sure you are investing in quality that will last a lifetime.

The art of Turkish ceramics is an age-old process that dates back around 10,000 years, making Anatolia one of the most important regions in the world for ceramics. Over the years, different types and styles of ceramics began developing in different regions of the peninsula. One of the most fascinating parts of Turkish ceramics is their shell’s strength and ability to hold their intact condition and gorgeous colors for centuries.

Iznik ceramics are considered one of the most important in the peninsula, primarily known for its famous tiles. Iznik tiles reached their highest production during the Ottoman era when they were used as official presents to foreign dignitaries and to decorate palaces, mosques, and many other important structures. Some of this fascinating profession’s last craftsmen and craftswomen still use traditional techniques to craft unique handmade pottery for home decoration or elegant gifts.

Undoubtedly the most elegant district of Istanbul is the Nisantasi Design Square, famous for its stunning architecture, charming restaurants, pretty cafes, and its plethora of designer-label stores. Among the boutiques are the Armani, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Escada, Hermes, Laura Ashley, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, Zegna, Brioni, Valentino, Burberry, Tiffany’s, Cartier, and many leading top-segment Turkish labels such as Beymen and Vakko. Providing more than just clothing, you can also find rare books, beautiful jewelry, and plenty of wine on offer in Nisantasi.

This privileged district is a shopper’s paradise, and because prices tend to be lower than other European capital cities, it’s the perfect place to make all of your designer dreams come true. Pull up a chair at Nisantasi’s many cute cafes and sample gourmet offerings while surrounded by glamorous locals. With many celebrities frequenting the neighborhood to shop or enjoy the European atmosphere, Nisantasi Design Square is truly Istanbul’s ultimate neighborhood to see and be seen.