In Istanbul, there is an incredible number of stores that offer a variety of products. Here, even an experienced shopaholic is fit to get confused. And what can we say about the man who first came shopping in the capital! In our article we want to discuss what can be brought from Istanbul and where it is better to shop.
Range of purchases
Wherever we relax, we always buy gifts and souvenirs for our loved ones, as well as make purchases for ourselves. Each country has its own characteristics, so you should think over a range of purchases in advance. Not all is profitable to take, and simply not worth it. What to bring from Istanbul? What is not in this amazing city! Here you can always walk among the shops and large shopping centers. It is worth noting that acquisitions can be made not only in the market, but also in stores, shops and large malls. So what to bring from Istanbul? Feedback from experienced tourists will help us navigate this issue. According to experts, it is worth paying attention to traditional Turkish products - teas, spices, coffee, hookahs, textiles, jewelry, carpets, antiques, sweets, alcohol and much more. But let's talk about everything in more detail.
Sweets, coffee and tea
The first thing that comes to mind if you need to decide what to bring from Istanbul is coffee and tea. Since Turkey is, undoubtedly, an eastern country, it is worth paying attention to truly oriental goods. Surely your friends will be delighted with pomegranate or fruit tea or aromatic coffee. Of course, such goods are also available in our homeland, but their quality is not comparable with Turkish.
Stunning Turkish sweets can also be an excellent present . We do not find anything like that. True sweet tooth will appreciate such a gift. Stunningly delicious Turkish delight is being prepared in Turkey. It is sold here almost everywhere. There are special beautiful boxes as gift options, but you can also get weighted Turkish delight. Of course, in the box, the present looks more beautiful. But, buying sweets by weight, you can assess the degree of their freshness. Therefore, the choice is yours.
It is worth noting that the selection of varieties of Turkish delight in Istanbul is amazing. You can buy a variety of options - with nuts and other additives. Other sweets are no less diverse. It is worth paying attention to pink jam. It is so fragrant and tasty that it can not be described. You definitely will not find such a thing with us. Istanbul is a haven for all the sweet tooth. Therefore, if you are looking for a gift for a child, then there is no need at all to think about what to bring from Istanbul.
Coffee Sets
What to bring from a coffee lover from Istanbul? Well, of course, coffee beans and Turku. Such a set will certainly be appreciated. In Turkey, just an incredible selection of utensils for making coffee. Turks here can be made of clay, an alloy of steel and other materials. In addition, the dishes certainly have beautiful decorations. The Turks have a decent view and will be a great gift. It may seem strange to you, but the Turks themselves drink coffee from glassware. It would be more accurate to say - they do not drink, but relish the drink.
Natural cosmetic
What can I bring from Istanbul for a friend or mom? Natural cosmetics, of course. All women appreciate her very highly. Here you can buy all kinds of scrubs, shampoos, lotions with rose water and other products without chemical additives. Oriental perfume with a train of fragrant herbs - this is something special. Such a gift will be pleasant to any lady. It is better to look for hand-made cosmetics in the bazaar, since it costs more in shopping centers. The most popular cosmetics based on rose water and olive oil.
Turkey is famous for its hammams, so you can buy sets for visiting the bath. As a rule, bath accessories are soft peeling mittens, fragrant soap and delicate towels.
Copper Chasing
Turkey has always been famous for its craftsmen. Therefore, considering all kinds of options for what to bring from Istanbul as a gift, it is worth remembering the coinage made of copper. This can be a hookah, a vase, a coin, a dish and other things. Such souvenirs look expensive and stylish. No less beautiful and crafts from onyx. Beautiful stone figurines are a good gift for lovers of the beautiful.
Spice
As you know, the eastern countries are famous for their amazing spices. It is not always possible to find something similar with us, in particular quality suffers, therefore it is worth paying attention to the goods of this category. What spices to bring from Istanbul? It all depends on what dishes you buy them. Spice sellers know absolutely everything about them. Therefore, they will help you and advise the spices for any meal. You will never find such a choice in them as in Turkey. Experienced travelers looking for spices recommend visiting Istanbul's Egyptian market.
Here the spices are heaped up in the mountains, and sellers will tell you your purchase right on the spot and pack it in such a way that it is pleasant to pick up the present and not be ashamed to give it. The Egyptian market is very popular in the city. But he is far from the only one. And the prices are not the cheapest.
Turkish carpets
What to bring from Istanbul? Souvenirs can be so familiar that you want to surprise relatives with something. As an option, a real Turkish carpet is suitable. Here you can find the most amazing products - silk, wool, wicker and woven. Each carpet is a real work, which is made by hand. This is a very good and expensive present for loved ones.
Oriental jewelry
What souvenirs to bring from Istanbul for your loved ones? It can be traditional oriental shawls with ornaments, amulets “blue eye”, beads made of semiprecious stones, jewelry for home interiors. There are a lot of such goods in local shops and markets, their diversity just flashes their eyes. Among tourists, incredibly popular gifts such as Turkish bathrobes or pointed shoes.
A special category of goods is jewelry. There are an incredible number of them in Istanbul. Literally in every shop you will find watches and jewelry. However, experienced travelers nevertheless recommend to buy such things not in the markets and not in small shops. And go to a large specialized store in one of the city's shopping centers. Turkish gold is much cheaper than ours, so many tourists buy jewelry here.
Turkish textile
Many people travel to Turkey solely for goods. What to bring from Istanbul for sale? Of course, you should pay attention to local textiles. Of clothing, jeans are the most popular. They are much more expensive here than in Turkey. Surely everyone is tired of Chinese goods, so you can visit Turkish factories. They are often brought not only tourists, but also those who plan to take goods for sale. Textile prices in such places are lower than in stores.
In addition, tourists bring bedding sets, bathrobes, tablecloths, towels and other household items. Turkish underwear is known for its quality, it is made from good material and natural dyes are used. The result is good textiles that can last you up to ten years.
Aphrodisiacs
As small souvenirs, you can bring jars with aphrodisiacs. They are very popular in Turkey. Such oils and additives are sold literally at every step. They can be used for massages or just for home. You can also as an option consider a set of oils for aromatherapy and a stand for aroma sticks.
Ceramics, brass and hookahs
What to bring from Istanbul? Souvenirs and gifts for friends and relatives can be made of brass and copper. In specialized shops you can buy simply stunningly beautiful handmade products. It can be decorative plates on the wall, clocks and dishes. Any such souvenir will be not only the best decoration for the home, but also a wonderful memory of your vacation or business trip. Ceramic dishes are famous far beyond the borders of the country, therefore it can also be purchased as a presentation. Ceramics crowded local markets.
Turkish hookahs are still in great demand. Whatever you meet in Istanbul. Some of them are a real work of art. In local markets and in shops you can find hookahs for every taste.
Antiques
Istanbul is a place where you can buy antiques, unless, of course, you are interested in such things. Of course, the purchase of such goods implies the presence of certain knowledge. In addition, it is worth remembering that the value of antiques should not exceed thousands of dollars, and the age of the item should not be more than a hundred years. Turkish law provided for a number of requirements regarding such things. It is not necessary to break laws so as not to get into an unpleasant situation. In Istanbul, there are a number of antique shops that provide the goods with all the necessary documents that may be required at customs.
Dried fruits and herbs
In Istanbul, you can buy good dried fruits in the markets. Their greatest choice is on the Egyptian market. There you can buy raisins and nuts of various kinds. It is also worth paying attention to medicinal herbs. Which sell next to spices. By the way, tourists and fish products are very much in demand. A large selection of it can be found in a specialized fish market. Traders, as a rule, understand Russian, so you can always explain.
Fur and leather
Of course, all of the above products are very popular and in demand among tourists. However, this list is far from complete. What to bring from Istanbul for sale or yourself? These are products made of fur and leather, which are famous for Turkish factories. If you are going on a shopping tour, then you will certainly be brought to one of these factories. Bags, leather goods and local clothing are of good quality. It is for this reason that they have long been loved by our compatriots. Here you can buy things that are very similar to well-known branded products. But at the same time, the price will differ significantly.
Alcohol
If you buy a souvenir for a man, then you can opt for alcohol. Local anise vodka has a very special taste. True, some tourists say that it is somewhat similar to castor oil. But in any case, it’s worth trying the crayfish at least once or taking such a drink home as a souvenir. It is worth knowing that the drink should be consumed with a snack. Melon or country cheese is very suitable.
Travel Tips
Experienced shopaholics give some tips on shopping in Istanbul. It should be understood that in different seasons the same product can cost completely differently. The best time for shopping is the seasons of discounts: July and the end of December. However, if we are talking about serious acquisitions, then it is better to make them in the winter period, since there are no tourists at this time, and therefore the demand for many goods is falling. Trade is no longer going so briskly.
In Istanbul, as in any other city in the world, there are thieves and scammers. Therefore, going to crowded places, and even more so to local markets, you need to be very careful. Do not carry large amounts of money with you, first you need to decide on the purchase.
Local merchants may seem too intrusive, but this is only a manifestation of the mentality. In the markets, sellers try to sell their goods by any means, so they will persuade you to make a purchase. It is customary to bargain here. Initially, the price is sometimes very high. As a result of bargaining, if you really like a thing, its cost can be significantly reduced.
Bargaining in the markets is a must, since bargaining is part of the culture of local residents. And in this process there is nothing shameful. However, you should not show increased interest in the product, since sellers are excellent psychologists and see when you really like a thing. This means that this will affect the final cost of goods. The service in local shops is more cultured than in the markets. They may offer you tea, coffee or sweets. However, this does not mean that you must buy something. If you are not satisfied with the cost, you can safely go to the next store.
Where is better to buy souvenirs and gifts?
An important question is, where exactly is the best place to shop. The place of shopping should be chosen depending on what you want to purchase. Ordinary souvenirs can be purchased in many places: in markets, in shopping centers and small shops, of which there are a considerable amount in the city. The most popular shopping centers are Jevahir, Atrium, Capitol, Kanbon and others.
These stores have clothing, shoes, souvenirs, carpets, electronics and much more. And for a visit to the huge Forum Forum center, you will probably need all day. However, small shops amaze with the choice of certain goods. To feel the spirit of the country, you must visit one of the markets where you can buy anything. True, jewelry made of gold and leather is still better to purchase at factories and chain stores, so as not to run into a fake.