Modest fashion shopping in Istanbul: which districts and bazaars?

Fatih and the Wednesday market: good prices and variety

The area around Fatih Mosque is one of the busiest districts for modest fashion in Istanbul. Its streets are lined with shops selling long coats, feraces, tunics, shawls, under-scarves and burkinis, usually at lower prices than in the tourist areas.

• Çarşamba Market: a huge neighbourhood market held every Wednesday in the streets behind Fatih Mosque, with more than 2,500 stalls selling everything from clothes and fabric to homeware and food. It gets crowded, so go early with children.
• Mosque break: you can pause to pray at Fatih Mosque, which has a women’s section and wudu area.
• Getting there: 10–15 minutes by taxi from Sultanahmet, or by bus or tram plus a short walk.

Laleli and Aksaray: wholesale and retail

Laleli and Aksaray form Istanbul’s biggest wholesale textile district, popular with shoppers from the Gulf, Russia and Central Asia; many shops have Arabic- and Russian-speaking staff.

• There is a huge choice of abayas, long coats, dresses and fabrics.
• Some shops sell only wholesale (in sets); ask at the door if you want single pieces.
• The Laleli-Üniversite and Aksaray stops are only a few T1 tram stops from Sultanahmet.

The Grand Bazaar: scarves, shawls and silk

The Grand Bazaar is within walking distance of Sultanahmet and one of the best places for shawls, scarves, silk and cotton wraps. Being touristy, prices can be higher, and bargaining is normal. It is closed on Sundays and on the first days of religious holidays.

The bazaar’s history and sections are covered separately on the bazaar pages. For spiritual gifts such as prayer beads, prayer mats and musk, see our guide to spiritual souvenirs.

Shopping malls: fixed prices and brand stores

Istanbul’s large malls have stores of Türkiye’s well-known modest-fashion brands. Prices are fixed and there is no bargaining, but you get fitting rooms, returns and easy card payment. Most malls have separate prayer rooms for women and men; see our guide to where to pray in Istanbul.

If you want a burkini, the widest choice is before the summer season (April–June). For hamam and beach tips, see our guide to women-only hamams, pools and beaches.

Tips on bargaining, sizes and tax refunds

• Bargaining: normal in bazaars and markets, especially when buying several items; not done in malls and brand stores.
• Sizes: Turkish sizes usually follow European sizing (36, 38, 40…). Always try long coats and abayas for length.
• Payment: cash can get a better price in bazaars; cards are accepted everywhere in malls. For currency exchange and tax refunds, see our money and tipping guide.
• Tax refund: visitors who do not live in Türkiye can claim VAT back on purchases above a set amount at stores showing the “Tax Free” sign. Have the invoice and form stamped at the airport when you leave.
• Carrying it home: if you shop a lot, ask about shipping or delivery to your hotel, and remember your flight’s baggage allowance.