The Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest covered markets in the world.  It was originally built in 1464, at the command of Fatih Mehmet II, shortly after his Conquest. It contains around 4400 shops, 2195 workshops, 497 stalls and 18 fountains.  Daily anywhere between 250,000 and 400,000 people visit. 

INNER BEDESTEN
This was the first building to rise and forms the backbone of the bazaar.  

SANDAL BEDESTEN
This area has the largest number of domes and can be accessed through the main gate and from the Nuruosmaniye district.

The other areas of the Bazaar are not symmetrical and add to the random nature and unique shopping experience of the Bazaar.

GATES
There are four main gates into the Grand Bazaar.  These can be found at the ends of the two main streets.