Visiting Turkey this summer? Make sure you get to visit the Istanbul Shopping Festival.
There is something in common between this event and Black Friday, the world-famous shopping season. In both cases, the shops are open until late, and everything is on sale at a reduced price. One significant feature of the Istanbul Shopping Festival is its cultural program. Such entertainments as musical concerts and parades are definitely worth visiting. During the festival, shopping centers work until late and offer a range of discounts.
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Background
The first shopping festival in Istanbul was held in 2011. It took place between March 18th and April 26th. The organizers were looking for a way to turn Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, into the world’s capital of shopping and entertainment. They also wanted to educate foreign visitors about Turkish culture, traditions, and brands.
The map of shopping districts
It is easy to get lost in Istanbul. This large city has 39 districts and is spread over an area of more than two million square miles. To make it easier for you to get to know the place, we have prepared a list of the most popular places where you can find everything you need.
Nisantasi, if you are looking for design or brand things
Nisantasi, or the shopping center of Istanbul, is the street where the top boutiques are located. World-famous brands like Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQuinn coexist with Turkish brands. One of the most popular local designers is Hakaan Yildirim. His brand stands for accessible and remarkable clothes. Many world celebrities are wearing clothes produced by the company Hakaan Yildirim, and the brand often participates in international showcases.
Nisantasi is formed by four avenues: Valikonagi, Rumeli, Abdi Ipekci, and Tesvikiye Avenues.
Bagdat Avenue, if you are ready to spend a lot of money
The fourth best shopping street in the world, Bagdat Jadasi, is a luxury area to live and shop in. Glamorous malls, expensive shops… Prices bite until you turn down a side street where shops offer more reasonable prices.When you’re done shopping, you can relax in one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.
Bagdat Avenue is located between the Goztepe and Bostcani neighborhoods. There is a slight path to the seaside if you want to enjoy the view.
The main market in Turkey (and the world)
If you love shopping, you should definitely visit one of the most famous bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar. This is a covered market where local Turkish products are represented, usually by those who own, create, or just promote them.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the world. Just imagine: its construction started in 1455 and was completed after 1730. Every year, the Grand Bazaar is visited by more than 92 million people (from 250,000 to 400,000 visitors per day). It is considered the most popular attraction in the world.
It can be overcrowded and is recommended to be visited as a historic landmark rather than a shopping center. This beautiful complex has all kinds of products on sale.
Other events
There are plenty of events organized within the Istanbul Shopping Festival. Make the most of your time in Istanbul by visiting the following events:
Showcases
They are often organized in shopping malls during the shopping season. Designers use them to promote new collections of their products.
Photo exhibitions
There is no common theme for the photo exhibitions. It might be local treasures, fashion, or something else.
Theatrical performances
Art is a way to complement your shopping experience. It might be tiring to go from one store to another without any pauses.
This annual event usually lasts from 2 weeks to 40 days, depending on the year. It aims to unite the historical and cultural legacy of Turkey with modern entertainment. The dates of the festival change every year. This year’s schedule is yet to be announced. After that, make sure you come to Turkey in advance and visit as many sights as you want.
