Arasta Bazaar: the covered market behind the Blue Mosque

Updated on October 4, 2026

The Arasta Bazaar is a covered shopping street built against the back of the Blue Mosque, in the heart of Sultanahmet. The word "arasta" means a row of shops built to fund a religious foundation: this one dates from the time of the mosque (early 17th century) and paid for its upkeep. Restored, it now holds between 70 and 80 shops depending on the source, selling carpets, kilims, ceramics, textiles, glassware and souvenirs. Quieter and airier than the Grand Bazaar, with prices often displayed, it takes about half an hour to walk and fits well with a visit to the district. It is free to enter and open every day.

Highlights

The covered street

The long, narrow street is lined with shops under restored period vaults. The mood is calmer than in the Grand Bazaar: sellers are less insistent, the aisles are clear, and you can see the goods better.

Carpets, kilims and textiles

Carpet and kilim shops stand next to stalls of scarves, embroidered tablecloths, peştemal (hammam towels) and cushions. Ask about the material and origin, and compare two or three shops before buying.

Ceramics, lamps and small objects

Plates and tiles decorated in the Iznik style, coloured-glass lamps, tea glasses and blue eyes (nazar boncuk) are the most common purchases. A hand-painted piece can be recognised by its slight irregularities.

The Great Palace Mosaic Museum

A museum of the Byzantine Great Palace stands at the end of the bazaar, on the mosque side: it keeps Byzantine floor mosaics in place. Check that it is open before you go (to be confirmed, not checked on an official website).

Tea breaks

A few cafés and tea rooms open onto the street and neighbouring squares, for a pause between shops.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Haggling is expected for carpets and souvenirs, but less than in the Grand Bazaar; start by comparing a few shops. Pay in Turkish lira rather than euros. For a carpet, insist on a detailed invoice (material, origin, knots) and do not accept home delivery from a shop you do not know (see scams and safety in Istanbul). Sellers on the street next to the mosque can approach tourists insistently: a polite "no thank you" is enough. Usual hours as observed in October 2026; some shops close earlier or on Sundays.

How to get there

Arasta Çarşısı, Sultanahmet, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, just behind the Blue Mosque, on the Sea of Marmara side. Tram T1, Sultanahmet stop, five minutes' walk. See also the guide to Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar, 15 minutes' walk away.