The Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) is a covered trade center (bedesten) that was built between 1455 and 1461 by Mehmet II the Conqueror, and later enlarged with “hans”. Following fires and earthquakes, the bedesten was restored several times. It is a huge labyrinth composed of thousands shops and hundreds workshops. Most of them are grouped according to their speciality: jewels, copper items, carpets, leather, clothing, souvenirs… (Open 09.00 – 19.00. Closed on sundays and bank holidays).