Located on the Blue Mosque Square in Istanbul, Arasta Bazaar has been one of the most charming shopping centers since it was built by savvy Ottoman officials in 17th century. As a result of the excavations made in 1930, it was figured out that the bazaar was established upon the old structures which were the body of the palace in Byzantine Era.
In the Ottoman Age, this historic construction was used by cavalrymen because there were found many various materials for them. Therefore popularly known as Sipahiler (Cavalrymen) Bazaar in that period, the market consists of a series of approximately 70 shops placed on Torun Street. Although it is smaller than the magnificent Grand Bazaar, this relatively calm and pretty market contains many kinds of products attracting people in its shops such as eyeful jewellery, carpets, souvenirs, ceramics, Turkish tiles, apparel and more today. Arasta Bazaar is a good low-key shopping alternative for conventional merchandise in the Sultanahmet area.
During the Ottoman Era the bazaar burnt down in a fire. It was rebuilt and reopened by the General Directorate for Foundations in 1981.
Visitors to the Arasta Bazaar can also explore the Great Palace Mosaics Museum which exhibits a collection of mosaics excavated from the site of the Byzantine Great Palace of Constantinople. Additionally, in order to have a good time when visiting the Arasta Bazaar, both locals and tourists should go around the tea garden (which also serves as a restaurant) to eat, drink endless cups of çay (tea) or smoke nargile while watching the free nightly Whirling Dervishes Show.
Except for the features of Arasta Bazaar, it is also famous for the visits of Hollywood artists, politicians and more such as great stars Shakira, Megan Fox, famed Ellen Lee Degeneres (a present of prominent Ellen Degeneres Show) and former US President Bill Clinton.