The Book Bazaar (Sahaflar): Istanbul’s historic book market in Beyazıt
- Bazaars and hans
- Beyazıt, Fatih
- Free
Family hotels closest to Book Bazaar (Sahaflar)
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Book Bazaar (Sahaflar): 15 min walk (1.1 km) Walking route
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Book Bazaar (Sahaflar): 16 min walk (1.1 km) Walking route
Visitor information
| Type | Historic book market |
|---|---|
| Built | A book and paper market since Byzantine times; present layout from the late 19th century |
| Neighbourhood | Beyazıt, Fatih |
| Opening hours | Open during the day; most shops are closed on Sundays |
| Admission | Free entry |
| Time needed | 20–40 min |
| Getting there | T1 Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop, 2 min walk |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 20 min walk (1.4 km) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Easy with a stroller. A small, level and quiet courtyard |
| Best time | When you leave the Grand Bazaar through the Beyazıt Gate |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
History of the bazaar
In Byzantine times this area had a paper and book market called the Chartoprateia. In the Ottoman period booksellers worked inside the Grand Bazaar for a long time; after the 1894 earthquake they moved to the bazaar’s present location, a courtyard next to the Beyazıt Mosque. In the middle of the courtyard stands a bust of İbrahim Müteferrika, who set up the first Turkish printing press in the Ottoman Empire. A meeting place for students and writers in the 1950s and 60s, the bazaar stays lively today thanks to its location right next to Istanbul University.
What can you find?
- The Holy Quran, translations and religious books; illustrated religious books for children
- Old and first-edition books, Ottoman Turkish works, old magazines
- Calligraphy panels, ebru (marbling) and miniature prints
- Academic books and second-hand textbooks
Most shops wrap books carefully, which makes them good gifts. For spiritual gift ideas, see our spiritual souvenirs guide.
What is nearby?
One gate of the bazaar opens onto the courtyard of the Beyazıt Mosque, the other onto the Grand Bazaar. On neighbouring Beyazıt Square you can see the historic gate of Istanbul University and the Beyazıt Tower.
Visiting tips
- Leaving the Grand Bazaar through the Beyazıt Gate and crossing to the Beyazıt Mosque via the Book Bazaar is an easy walk.
- Most shops are closed on Sundays.
- Before buying old and valuable books, check the pages and binding carefully.
Our family hotels near Book Bazaar (Sahaflar)
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Book Bazaar (Sahaflar): 15 min walk (1.1 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Book Bazaar (Sahaflar): 16 min walk (1.1 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Book Bazaar (Sahaflar): 16 min walk (1.1 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Book Bazaar (Sahaflar): 16 min walk (1.1 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Book Bazaar?
It is in the courtyard between the Beyazıt Mosque and the Beyazıt Gate of the Grand Bazaar, 2 minutes’ walk from the T1 Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop.
Can you find the Holy Quran at the Book Bazaar?
Yes. Many shops in the bazaar sell copies of the Holy Quran in different sizes and calligraphic styles, as well as translations and religious books.
