The Grand Bazzar (Kapali Carsi)

We started this day late, about 4pm. I couldn't believe that it was overcast outside in the morning, but we were to shot to utilise it. By 4pm the kids were getting cabin fever.

It certainly isn't as hot at this time and the sun sufficiently drops so most of the time we were in the shade. Up the stairs we went to get back onto the main ridge. First we visited the Beyazit, a square used as a forum back in AD 393 by Theodosius. Now it is the site of a tram stop and bus park. The University at the back of the square was incredible and makes our unis look somewhat average. Above is the entrance.

We started down an open pedestrian street with a mass of clothing and shoe shops. We were continually harassed by kids selling a type of yoyo and men offering cheap jeans. We were in the market for a dutch soccer top for Julia. We learnt quickly tho not to flounder. Sophia was after a tracksuit. She liked one colour and we asked for a certain size. The seller rushed away to retrieve one only to be told that she preferred another colour. He tried to find this one but could not. We started to leave and he was none to happy. From then on we were very deliberate about what we wanted, the colour and size. That seemed to get a better response. 

Soon we ventured into what is the largest covered market in the world with 4000 shops. They were more subdued in here but seemed more interested in woman than sales at times. Sue got attention if I was elsewhere and I never got harassed if woman wearing less were walking nearby.

In the heart of the market you step into the original building with spectacular decor. We were there for about two hours but I suspect we never saw even a quarter of the market. Most of the goods in the covered areas are jewellery, carpets and ceramics of Turkish style. Its hard to stay here too long as we started to get hungry. A nice man offered our kids some Turkish delight. Very nice. People here view kids as more public possession than we do. I would not even think about touching someone else's kid that I didn't know. Here anyone would hold a child back if they thought they were  close to danger, give them food or touch their skin.

We left the market and found a Kebab shop. Once we showed interest it was hard to get away but they were very nice and the prices were great. We shortly understood why they were keen for us to be sitting in front of their shop as others came shortly afterwards to sit as well.