Photo Essay: Spice Market in Istanbul, Turkey

by Emily on July 11, 2010 · 20 comments

I went to Istanbul for the first time this February. One of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting the famed spice market. It’s an incredible sensory overload–upon entering, you are assaulted with so many rich aromas and bright colors. The merchants (my favorite people) would approach you with scoops of herbs, spices, and teas, shoving them to your nose for a sniff. They also sold Turkish delights, my beloved baklava, dried fruits, honey, olive oil soap, henna, and all other kinds of interesting foods, lotions, and potions.

Here are some of my favorite pictures I took at the market.

Istanbul spice market 2Shoppers at the Istanbul spice market

Istanbul spice market 3Istanbul spice market 4istanbul spice market turkish delights

Istanbul Spice Market

Istanbul spice market 5

Want to learn how to be a great travel photographer? I’m definitely still working on it. Flightster has some great tips for travel photography.

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Explore the Culture of Istanbul | pocketvillage
July 24, 2011 at 11:39 pm

{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }

claire July 11, 2010 at 4:45 pm

so awesome! i love seeing pics of far away places that i have been too! on a side note, did you see the market outside of the spice market where they were selling dogfood? that’s where we eneded up first and i was thinking wow….these spices here in turkey look slighly…different.

Emily Gerson July 11, 2010 at 5:19 pm

Thanks, Claire! Haha, no, I didn’t see the dog food–how funny! I would have been confused if I saw that first, too :)

Gray July 12, 2010 at 10:21 am

Lovely photos! There’s something about buying spices in bulk at a market like this that appeals more than buying a little plastic shaker bottle at the supermarket.

Rebecca July 12, 2010 at 11:10 am

The Spice Market is a wonder to behold! I liked it much more than the Grand Bazaar. It’s smaller, more accessible, and somehow less touristy. I gained about 10 lbs in one week in Istanbul by eating Turkish delights nonstop. Totally worth it!

Aurora July 13, 2010 at 5:10 am

Wow what colors! Markets in different countries can be fantastic places to visit! You never quite know what you’ll find! :)
And now I want some baklava! ;P

Erica July 13, 2010 at 12:19 pm

While the colors are phenomenal, I sit here and try to imagine what that smells like. This looks amazing Emily! I have had so many people tell me that Istanbul is a magical place and that we should visit.

Abby July 20, 2010 at 7:40 pm

Oh, this looks amazing! I’m going to Istanbul next Tuesday. I might hit you up for some ideas. Great photos — I am so excited!!

Poi July 21, 2010 at 1:16 pm

How I miss the smell of Turkish markets!!

Alan August 3, 2010 at 8:41 am

Thanks for the link to my Flightster post. Istanbul has got to be one of my favorite cities. And the spice market? Goodness. The most ambrosial place I’ve ever been.

Best of luck in the contest.

Alan

Anthony October 3, 2010 at 2:20 am

Love these spice markets. Look forward to visiting Turkey. Thanks for the inspiration!
Anthony recently posted..Friday Food Photo Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Nancie October 3, 2010 at 3:51 am

Outstanding shots. I was in Turkey many many years ago. It’s definitely on my list to see again.
Nancie recently posted..Wanderfood Wednesday &8212 A Lunchtime Splurge in Lovina- Bali

Michael Hodson October 3, 2010 at 9:25 am

This is one of my favorite places for photography. Such great colors and people.
Michael Hodson recently posted..13 Reasons Everyone Should Travel

Ayngelina Brogan October 3, 2010 at 9:24 pm

Wonderful photos, the spices are so vibrant.
Ayngelina Brogan recently posted..Who is the world’s best salsa dancer

Aaron | BeforeYOUBackpack.com October 6, 2010 at 2:29 am

Great pictures! I love a good market, it’s not just the sights and sounds but the smells and the hustle and bustle. I always feel that when you head to a market you really get to the heart of a place!
Aaron | BeforeYOUBackpack.com recently posted..How to get to Southeast Asia for less than £100

Natalie T. March 20, 2011 at 10:11 pm

This looks amazing ! Those spices have now transported me to a place that is exotic and far away. I want to go. Sigh.
Natalie T. recently posted..MISSING- The Travelocity Roaming Gnome Affectionately known as

Blue Cruises March 24, 2011 at 9:15 am

What a nice photos! Fantastic country to visit! Turkey should be the first country to vacation this summer.!
Blue Cruises recently posted..Bodrum to Datca Route

turkey cruise June 2, 2011 at 6:30 am

Very amazing photos.. Thanks..

turkey cruise June 2, 2011 at 6:32 am

Istanbul is most popular city of Turkey and these photos is very nice..Thanks..

Andrea September 17, 2011 at 11:35 am

Great photos – I loved this too when we visited!
Andrea recently posted..Çay and Conversation: Discovering Turkish Tea

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