Shopping for rugs in Istanbul

[aoco]

Several months ago there was a thread talking about where to buy rugs in Istanbul. It even listed a web site. I can not find the thread and was wondering if anyone could help me. I believe there was even a web site. Thanks for any help!!!!

[Rickey 88]

If you are visiting Kusadasi, we can recommend BAZAAR 54. We made a very good purchase (expect to bargain heavily over price) and is was packed and shipped to the U.S. exactly as promised. I believe they have a store in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul but we did not get a chance to visit it....

Try their website: http://www.kusadasibazaar54.com/

[naustin]

Yes, there is a Bazaar 54 near the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The stores are supposedly a cooperative owned by the Tour Guides. We bought a beautiful silk Hereke prayer rug but it wasn't cheap. Good silk rugs cost thousands even in Turkey so it is important to buy from a reputable store such as Bazaar 54. We bought at the beginning of a two week cruise and the rug arrived within days of our return to the states. Also you can find good prices in the Hotel stores (off the lobbies). Enjoy beautiful Turkey.

[Jancruz]

We also bought a gorgeous rug at Bazaar 54 and have been enjoying it every day for 4 years..
Jan
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[elin]

I have bought a few rugs in Istanbul. The majority of them were purchased (on 2 different trips) at Noah's Ark. The prices are good (still bargain with them), and the quality is excellent. They were actually referred to me by someone who bought rugs from them when they lived in England. They have been around for a while.
Please let me know if anyone wants more info on them.
Elin

[zebra]

Where is Noah's Ark? Is it in the Grand Bazaar? Just wondered if it would be better to shop in rug stores in Istanbul as opposed to stores in the bazaar, or is there no difference?
Elin, I'd also like to know about food and restaurants in Turkey - what can everyone tell me - what's good and what should be avoided. We love international cuisine and wines, and are not familiar with Turkish cuisine at all.

[elin]

Merhaba (Turkish for Hello) Zebra,

Once again I will mention how jealous I am that you are heading over to my favourite country!:D
The food in Turkey is fabulous. It is very fresh and health as very little of it is deep fried (you can get some fried calamari, shrimp etc., but grilled it the way it is served more often). To compare it to another cuisine, the closest would be Greek. When I say Greek, I mean that there are lots of the yummy dips, tzaziki (sp?), hummus, babaganoush (sorry, brain not working well tonight - eggplant), roasted red pepper, etc. They have the dolamars (the vine wrapped or stuffed items, like stuffed tomatoes, or vine wrapped meat and rice). It is a mostly Muslim country so there is a minimal amount of pork (but it is available, pork items are usually clearly marked on any buffets). There is a lot of fish and it is fresh fresh fresh.
In a lot of restaurants you can "pick out your dinner" as the fish on display (or brought out to you).

The Rumeli Cafe (address Divanyolu Cad. Ticarethane Sok no:8 Sultanahmet) is right across the street from Noah's Ark (the rug shop I talked about in my previous post). The shop is NOT in the Grand Bazaar (which when you have already bought a rug, makes shopping in the Grand Bazaar kind of fun, as you can tell everyone who asks you to buy a rug, that you have already bought one). Anyway, the food at the Rumeli Cafe is quite good. You can also sit outside and watch the world go by.

Another place is the rooftop of the Nomade Hotel (just up the street). There is a wonderful rooftop area (cushions and lounge-y type chairs) where you can order Turkish coffee (very strong, and very wonderful, order it medium if you don't like your coffee too sweet, or order "chai" which is Turkish tea and is brought to you in these little glass cups), and overlook the Bosphorus and the Blue Mosque.

Other gifts that are kind of fun are the little Turkish coffee cups (available everywhere) and the pillow covers....but I digress!

Zebra, please feel free to email me at elawrence@qmc.ca if you have any questions. I have a girlfriend who still lives in Istanbul and I can ask her some questions if you would like.

e

[aoco]

Thanks for all of the great information. We really appreciate all of the comments. We will be sailing on the Insignia on April 15. Going to spend 3 days in Istanbul before we cruise.

Any other information on Istanbul will be greatly appreciated. We have heard so many wonderful things about the city.

Thanks again,
Connie and Al

[etoile]

Be prepared to be offered tea in the Bazaar, too! This is a common part of bargaining in Turkish shops, especially in the bazaar where prices are negotiable. The glass teacups are lovely and tulip shaped, I brought back a set for my parents as a gift. It is important that you accept the tea, even if you don't end up buying anything. In a busy place like the bazaar, you won't be offered tea unless you show genuine interest, but once you do, they will offer it.

[k9hndler]

Any other information on Istanbul will be greatly appreciated. We have heard so many wonderful things about the city.

Thanks again,
Connie and Al

Connie and Al
Like several other posters stated, I envy you as well. I was stationed In Turkey during the first gulf war and lived in southern Turkey for 15 months (Adana to be exact). The food is wonderful, the people guarded but friendly. You MUST haggle and haggle hard for major purchases. It is expected and you will lose their respect if you don't. Be prepared to walk away like you MEAN it and you will do well. The shop keepers always brought out a cold beer (eefes)instead of Chai to soften me up a bit. Leather goods, 22 kt Gold and Cashmere are also great buys.
The food is marvelous. Try the Doner Kebab (Like Greek Gyro but better) Lamashoons (SP)(like little lamb pizzas) borek (turkish egg rolls) ek mek (SP) (GREAT hot bread)and Adana Kebab (when available) all excellent.
Good luck and have fun.

[etoile]

Oh, I forgot about Efes! I thought it was so funny that a beer and a historical site have the same name. (The Turkish name for the ancient city of Ephesus is Efes.)