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Istanbul is very likely the home to
the world's first enclosed shopping mall - the Covered Bazaar or the Grand Bazaar. |
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The Grand Bazaar occupies a site
that has been a commercial district for centuries. In 1461 A.D., Mehmet II had a covered market built in this location. Over the years it suffered from fires and earthquakes and was reconstructed many times. |
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One of the entrances to the Grand
Bazaar is just behind the white van. |
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Now the Grand Bazaar has more
than 4,000 shops where you can buy jewelry, dishes, brass goods, clothing, leather goods and carpets. |
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Walking through the Grand Bazaar is
quite an experience. The amount of goods for sale is overwhelming. The friendly, but persistent merchants are eager to ask, "What can I sell you today to make you happy?" |
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The cafes and restaurants in the Grand
Bazaar probably could be viewed as the world's first food courts. |
