Do not expect to go home with any loose change when shopping in Istanbul. The vast range of bazaars, malls and famous streets host thousands of bargains and luxury stores of which the happy sellers help to empty your purse. Whether buying souvenirs in bazaars, or clothes in cosmopolitan boutique stalls, travellers always find what they want in this vast metropolis.
Bring on the competition America. When it comes to shopping malls in Istanbul, the excellence and professionalism of these establishments easily match any westernised version of where to splash the cash and have a good time. These malls are renowned throughout Turkey as shoppers’ havens, with a little bit of fun and eating out in food courts thrown in.
At the turn of the century, Turkey looked towards being a global player to boost its economy. They formed a plan to be a top performing financial system of the globe, and in the process, changed laws, offered incentives and made it a lot easier for foreign companies to operate in Turkey. Specifically aiming to increase foreign direct investment, the results soon started coming in as increasingly more foreigners invested in real estate, textiles, automotive, tourism and energy.
Whether buying a new house or revamping the old, one of the most exciting ways to spend our money is buying furniture. From the living room to the bedroom to balconies and terraces, the many furniture brands in Turkey appear in houses across the country. Some focus on luxurious designs while others are cheap, cheerful and ideal for budget conscious homemaker. Some have also earned themselves a countrywide reputation for excellence.
In the last 15 years, Turkey has turned into a business powerhouse. The Turkish government, intent on becoming one of the top ten economies by 2023 have supported start-ups with financing and advice. Prominent businesses kicked it up a notch by revolutionising their industries with forward thinking and brand awareness. Most of the successful companies also went global, but who are they?
Every year, millions of visitors arrive in Turkey for a healthy dose of “all things Turkish,” whether it be culture, food, souvenirs or simply the gorgeous weather. Yet, the country is one of the world’s top exporters of goods, and the chances are that within the average household around the world, you will find products from Turkey in at least one room. So, what products from Turkey will you most likely find in your home?
The government initiative “Turquality” is widely credited with helping high street Turkish clothing brands onto to the global stage. Implemented in 2004, the vision was to help companies create sustainable labels, which in turn would boost export revenue and gain income from overseas. Diluted down to its core basics, it was plainly a brand-building program, but its uniqueness lay in the fact that it was state-subsided.
It is inevitable that when man perfects an art skill, a stream of respect and admiration follows. This is true in particular areas of Turkey well known for developing certain handicrafts because many skilled artists and craftsmen, use simple tools or construct an item purely by hand. Despite the onslaught of modern machinery, skilled artisans still make a roaring trade in Turkey, and some of this can be credited to tourism and people’s desire for authentic souvenirs. It is worth looking at these trades history though because many flourished during a glorious era of the Ottoman Guild system.
From textiles to tomatoes, Turkey's largest city offers a wealth of bargains for keen shoppers. Istanbul is a shopper's paradise, with markets found in every corner of the city on every day of the week. There is truly something for everyone - even non-shoppers will enjoy sitting down with a cup of tea and watching locals and tourists sift through the piles of antiques, leather goods, brassware and produce. We give you the lowdown of the 10 very best markets.
Negotiating is a way of life in Turkey. This comes as a shock to those of us who aren't familiar with a bargaining culture and are more used to paying fixed prices. However, by employing some of our handy tips and with a little practice, you should be an expert haggler in no time.
From the historic Grand Bazaar, to some of the largest shopping malls in Europe, to some of the most famous shopping streets full of boutiques and antiques - Istanbul is a maze for shoppers and a delight for those who are looking to shop until you drop. Follow us on a journey, an expensive journey, through some of the best malls, avenues, and markets for shopping in Istanbul.
Turkey’s rich heritage is reflected in the items that find their way home in travellers’ suitcases. From the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to small markets on the Mediterranean, there are incredible bargains and delights for every browser. Whether you’re in the market for kilims or coffee, we let you in on the goods to look out for while you’re travelling through the country that’s described as being the gateway between Europe and the Middle East.
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