The Grand Bazaar corporate trip is a half-day programme that tours, with a guide, the historic bazaar stretching between Beyazıt and Nuruosmaniye and the hans around it. The founding of the bazaar, the guild system and the trading traditions that continue to this day are explained street by street. It suits corporate teams interested in the history of trade, tradesmen culture and the everyday commercial life of Istanbul.

What is in the programme?

The core of the bazaar is the Cevahir Bedesten, built shortly after the conquest of Istanbul in the reign of Sultan Mehmed II. The Sandal Bedesten was later added to this masonry building where valuable goods were stored, and over time the streets between them were covered with domes and vaults to form today's bazaar. Repaired many times after fires and earthquakes, the bazaar still reflects its old order through streets named after the trades.

The tour enters through the Nuruosmaniye Gate and continues with the Cevahir Bedesten, Kalpakçılar Street and the jewellers' section. It then moves on to trading hans such as the Zincirli Han on the edge of the bazaar and the Büyük Valide Han outside it, explaining how production and storage were linked to the bazaar. Optionally, a route down the Mahmutpaşa slope to the Spice Bazaar can be added.

Highlights

• A route starting at the Cevahir Bedesten that follows the bazaar's development chronologically
• Commentary on the guild system, trade streets and the tradition of trust-based commerce
• Hans that most visitors miss, such as the Zincirli Han and the Büyük Valide Han
• A flexible finish, with time set aside for free shopping

Who Is It For?

Planned for SME and corporate teams of 10-80. For sales, retail, procurement and entrepreneurship teams it offers concrete examples of negotiation, customer relationships and reputation. As an economy-budget programme that takes place largely indoors, it can be organised regardless of the season. The effort level is moderate; there are sloping streets and stairs on the way up to the hans.

Planning Notes

• The bazaar is busier in the afternoon and at weekends, so a morning start is recommended.
• In the narrow streets, large groups tour in smaller sub-groups.
• The amount of free time set aside for personal shopping should be agreed at the outset.
• Because of the crowds and narrow passages, participants are reminded to keep an eye on their bags and wallets.