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THE WORLD'S BAZAAR Ever since the days of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route through Istanbul and parts of Anotalia that connected Asia and Europe, Turkey has been a magnet for those seeking an astonishing array of tempting goods offered in a variety of inviting environments, from covered bazaars and open street markets to modern shopping malls. Throughout the country, one-of-a-kind goods are produced employing centuries-old hand-craft techniques, including silk, cotton and wool garments; leather accessories; jewelry; faience (brilliantly colored tiles); copper, brass, marble, meerschaum and alabaster works by master artisans; and heirloom-quality kilim, Turkish carpets. Shopping Highlights Good deals and an enjoyable shopping experience can be found everywhere, from small towns to big cities; however, no place combines such fantastic goods and memorable experiences as the Grand Bazaar, or Kapali Çarsi, in Istanbul. Positioned on the road that once led to Rome, the Grand Bazaar presents visitors with a covered maze of some 4,000 shops, selling treasures of every type. Still the commercial center of the old city, the bazaar's 80 streets constitute the original shopping mall, with something to suit most every taste and budget. Shoppers are particularly drawn to the world-renowned carpets and quality leather products. Turkey's important place on the Silk Road has made it a resource for some of the world's best silk. Indeed, the city of Bursa has long been a famous destination for the silk trade. Here, the Koza Han, a building in a centrally located park, has housed the silk cocoon trade for centuries and continues to offer extraordinarily fine quality silks. Fresh herbs and spices are another high quality Turkish commodity. The enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and most every other conceivable culinary condiment perfume the air at open markets, especially in Istanbul's Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi). Shopping in Turkey Shopping is an art form in Turkey, one that is an unhurried social experience. The Turkish shopkeeper plays the role of host, offering guests a comfortable seat, serving coffee, tea or soft drinks and chatting with them about their lives and times. This is typical Turkish hospitality, which does not obligate the purchase of anything, no matter how long one lingers or how many beverages are consumed. However, when it comes to actually purchasing, here too there is a ritual. Bargaining is considered de riguer with a set of rules that should be followed. A shopper is expected to inspect a shop's wares carefully, not asking for prices unless there is a genuine interest in buying an item or two. Once quoted a price by the merchant/host, the potential buyer considers it and then suggests a lower one. A back-and-forth exchange of prices ensues until an agreement is reached. If one cannot be made, there is no obligation to buy. However, if the merchant meets the potential buyer's price, a purchase is expected. The practice affords terrific bargains for shoppers, which can also be tax-free. Turkey's Value Added Tax (VAT) ranges from 15 to 25 percent for purchases over $80 and is refundable by obtaining the appropriate forms from the shops where the purchases are made and having them stamped at the airport by Customs before departure. For information, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Tourist Office in Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, or in New York at 212-687-2194, and visit their Web site at www.tourismturkey.org or www.turizm.gov.tr Media Contacts:
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