If you have an idea in your head about what the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is like, you are probably not far from the truth. It is overwhelmingly big, crowded, and full of high pressure sales people with questionably authentic merchandise. Turkey has basically no copyright laws from what I understand which is probably why you can get those Dr. Dre Beats headphones for such a good price!
One thing that did surprise me a little was that it is mostly indoors.
Lamps and carpets are two of the big items to purchase in the Bazaar. I was sorely tempted by a lamp!
The carpets on the other hand not so much. In fact the next time you see me, remind me to tell you my story of trying to be sold a carpet. It is entertaining!
Haggling is still very much alive in the market. I was trying to buy some of the little coin purses that you see everywhere in Istanbul. I had picked out five that I liked, asked the guy how much, and he told me 8 lira a piece. Now the most you ever see these selling for is 2 lira a piece, and I told him that. He promptly took the purses out of my hand, put them back, and told me no way. So I turned the corner and bought them from someone else!
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