Islamic souvenirs from Istanbul: prayer beads, prayer mats, musk and calligraphy
Key facts
| Prayer beads, mats, books | Around Eyüp Sultan Mosque |
|---|---|
| Amber and silver beads | Grand Bazaar |
| Books, calligraphy, marbling | Sahaflar book bazaar (Beyazıt) |
| Musk, perfume oils, rose water | Spice Bazaar and around |
| In Sultanahmet | Arasta Bazaar (gifts, prayer mats, tiles) |
| Watch out | Fake amber is common; ask for an invoice and certificate |
Which spiritual gifts should I buy?
| Gift | For whom? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Prayer beads | Elders, imams and teachers, men | Amber, oltu stone, kuka, silver and wood |
| Prayer mat | Everyone; small sizes for children | Woven, velvet or folding travel mats |
| Musk and perfume oils | Everyone | Choose alcohol-free, oil-based perfumes |
| Rose water | Women, elders | Türkiye is famous for its rose water |
| Calligraphy and marbling | A gift for the home | Basmala, Mashallah and Ayat al-Kursi panels |
| Islamic books | Family, children | Qur’an, translations, Seerah books for children |
| Prayer caps, scarves, shawls | Men, women | Wide choice in the Grand Bazaar and Fatih |
Where to buy them
- Around Eyüp Sultan: shops near the mosque sell prayer beads, prayer mats, caps, musk and Islamic books, ideal for shopping during your visit. See our Companions’ tombs and Eyüp Sultan route.
- Grand Bazaar: the widest choice of amber, oltu and silver prayer beads. Prices are open to bargaining.
- Sahaflar book bazaar (Beyazıt): this historic market right next to the Grand Bazaar sells Islamic books, calligraphy panels and marbling.
- Spice Bazaar and around (Eminönü): for perfume oils, musk, rose water and Turkish delight. Herbalists’ shops sell natural products.
- Arasta Bazaar (Sultanahmet): right beside the Blue Mosque; the closest option to your hotel for prayer mats, tiles and gifts.
For modest clothing, see our guide to modest fashion shopping in Istanbul.
What should I check when buying prayer beads?
- Amber: the most imitated kind. For a valuable amber set, buy from a reputable shop with an invoice and, if possible, a certificate. Very cheap “amber” is usually plastic or pressed amber.
- Oltu stone: a black stone unique to Erzurum; genuine oltu gains a shine over time.
- Bead count: 33 and 99 beads are the most common; small 33-bead sets suit children.
- Budget: wooden and kuka beads are affordable and ideal as gifts for many people.
What to look for in musk, perfume oils and rose water
- Choose alcohol-free, oil-based perfumes; look for “alkolsüz” (alcohol-free) on the label.
- Pure rose water has a short ingredients list; additive-free products are worth more.
- Mind the liquid rules on flights: small bottles in hand luggage, large ones in your suitcase.
For halal checks on packaged food, see our guide to halal certification and logos.
Completing your Umrah gifts in Istanbul
Many families returning from Umrah add prayer beads, prayer mats and caps from Istanbul to their dates and Zamzam. For long lists of relatives, the shops around Eyüp Sultan and Fatih offer affordable bulk buying. For staying in Istanbul on your Umrah journey, see our guide to an Istanbul stopover on your Umrah trip.
Our family hotels close to the bazaars and mosques
-
Sareban Hotel
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
- Alcohol-free hotel (incl. minibars)
- Triple family room
- Baby cot and extra bed (on request)
-
Emirhan Inn Hotel
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
- Breakfast included
- Family suite with kitchenette
- Triple room
-
Green Life Apart Hotel
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
- Kitchenette in every apartment
- Apartments for three
- Sea-view roof terrace
-
Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
- Kitchen in every unit (hob, fridge, kettle)
- Two-bedroom family apartments (up to 6 guests)
- One-bedroom apartments with a separate bedroom
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy prayer beads in Istanbul?
The Grand Bazaar for amber, oltu and silver beads; the shops around Eyüp Sultan Mosque for affordable and bulk purchases.
How can I tell if amber prayer beads are real?
Buy from a reputable shop with an invoice and, if possible, a certificate. Very cheap amber is usually plastic or pressed.
Where can I buy Islamic calligraphy in Istanbul?
The Sahaflar book bazaar in Beyazıt is the best-known place for calligraphy panels, marbling and Islamic books.
Can I take perfume oils and musk on the plane?
Small bottles can go in hand luggage within liquid rules; put large bottles in your suitcase.