Istanbul's Bazaar Quarter: Backstreet Walking Tours

by Edda Renker Weissenbacher

Istanbul's bazaar quarter dates back many centuries, and this easy-to-use guidebook will help you discover the markets and workshops (hans) of old Constantinople. Many ancient secrets lie behind the crowded tourist areas, and with this book you can explore streets known only to the Turks. The book includes four tours, each of which could take you from two to eight hours, depending on how deeply you delve into each site. Employ the books maps, photos, and historical information as you wander from the Taş Han to the Grand Bazaar and on to the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar). Each walk includes profiles of artisans you can meet along your way, and you might be rewarded with a glass of Turkish tea. Be prepared to be charmed, whether you choose to explore Istanbul's back streets in person or from your armchair.

Genres: Nonfiction

182 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2009

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could I not love this book? I WROTE it--with my dear friend Edda Weissenbacher who has been leading walking tours through the back streets of Istanbul for years. We've compiled her work into four walking tours, which could take from two to eight hours each, depending on how thorough you choose to be as you walk. I've drawn detailed maps, taken photos of all the sites, and tried to lay out clear directions. Edda was the brains of the outfit--she's amazing. One of the beauties of this book is the profiles of people you can meet along the way. It's the best way for tourists to truly experience the culture of Istanbul, through its workers. ENJOY!!!

[Fusun Dulger charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide book is a must for anyone visiting Istanbul. I am Turkish and I went to Kapali Carsi (The Covered Bazar as it is called by the tourists) and it's surroundings many, many times and never saw the places she describes so well and vividly.
I now live in the United States but I will make sure that I take the three walks suggested on my next visit to Istanbul. Of course one needs to be spending at least two weeks in Istanbul, if not more to be able to visit all the sites and do these walks.
Istanbul is a city full of surprise and secrets and thanks to this little guide packed with information one can discover some more.

[Irus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Especially appreciated the, "pssst - there's a clean bathroom just to your right."

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide for the wandering type.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now HERE'S a guide book!
It reads like the authors are walking with you through the streets, has specific information ("WC Alert: there is a very clean restroom to the left inside the entry to this market." and on page 117 "Open the door and ask for Medhi Bey, a retired weaver who will let you up on the roof. Though he doesn't speak much English, he will understand. Please tip him for this service."), excellent highlighted routes, and photos of EACH han.

I'm going to see if there are any similar guidebooks from this publisher for other areas. It's fun just to read and imagine the strolls!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid guidebook, complete with excellent directions, which can't help but be a smidge repetitive due to its focus on one specific quarter. There's no doubt that there's a great deal to see around the Bazaar Quarter, but one wonders just how many restored/unrestored/badly restored Hans the average traveler wants to come across in one vacation. The best idea is probably to pick one or two of these walking trips at most - or simply cherry-pick the sites you most would like to see - as even the fascinating anecdotes gets recycled throughout the book and over-exposure could lead to Bazaar-fatigue.

[HadiDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preparing for a trip to Istanbul soon and LOVED this book for its descriptions, the profile's of the mercahants and traders at the end of each section, and not least for practical comments re bathrooms and cafes. It provides a real sense of Istanbul as a place where people live and work. Looking forward to doing all the walks