The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with dozens of streets and thousands of shops in the Fatih district. Construction began under Sultan Mehmed II soon after the conquest of Constantinople, with the Old Bedesten, a vaulted stone building for storing and selling valuable goods. Over the centuries the market grew around it, with domed halls, courtyards inns known as hans and streets organized by trade, and it was damaged by fires and by an earthquake in 1894, after which it was restored. Visitors can buy jewelry, carpets, ceramics, leather, spices and antiques. It remains the commercial heart of the old city and is among the most visited tourist sites in the world.
Before and after
- from 1453 to 1454Morea revolt of 1453–1454
- from 6 April 1453 to 29 May 1453Fall of Constantinople
- from 1454 to 1466Thirteen Years' War
- 9 March 1454Birth of Amerigo Vespucci
- 1455Construction of Grand Bazaar
- from 22 May 1455 to 16 June 1487Wars of the Roses
- from 4 July 1456 to 22 July 1456Siege of Belgrade
- 28 January 1457Birth of Henry VII of England
- c. 1458Construction of Palazzo Pitti
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- from 618 CE to 907 CETang dynasty
- 622 CEConstruction of Prophet's Mosque
- 637 CEConstruction of Potala Palace
- from 750 CE to 1258Abbasid Caliphate
- from 800 CE to 1258Islamic Golden Age
- 1070Construction of Windsor Castle
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 15th century.