Bazaar

One detail I forgot to mention when writing about Esfahan in Iran is its impressive bazaar. It winds through covered passages for a considerable distance between Lotfallah mosque and Jameh mosque. Even if you don't intend to buy anything, it provides welcome relief from the oppressive heat outside.

But if bazaars are what you like, you ain't seen nothin' till you've seen the bazaars of Istanbul!

Last week I had a first taste, accompanied by George. We arrived late-ish so we didn't have time to really explore, though I did manage to buy a carpet (see previous post on that subject: http://iranturkey2014.eblana.eu/2014/07/unexpected.html).

Today, on my last day in Istanbul, I decided to investigate further.

Wow, it's big! Or rather, they're big. Between the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar there is an unbelievable maze of stalls selling everything you could possibly expect in a market, and more. You want clothes, food, carpets? No problem! But what about kitchen taps, car parts or solar panels? They've got it!

You could spend days wandering the alleys if you were curious enough, and a fortune if you weren't careful.

I visited this time with my eyes agog, but left with my wallet unopened.