Muhlis Günbattı: A collector’s paradise at the Grand Bazaar
Shopping at the Grand Bazaar is a must-do on any tourist’s Istanbul itinerary – this huge bazaar is famous the world over for being the first covered mall in the world and featuring a whopping number of shops (over 4000). Among these thousands of stores, there is one shop that truly stands out for those interested in Ottoman history, antique pieces from the Ottoman Empire, and Central Asian textiles: Muhlis Günbattı.
This medium-sized shop is overflowing with colorful objects, and it may take a while to adjust to the overwhelming array of kaftans, textiles, and decorative pieces.
If you’re a history buff, you may spend a considerable amount of time looking through the wide range of Ottoman-era textiles, clothing, hand-woven rugs, and accessories, which date back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Collectors will love the wide range of silk kaftans as well as bundles, belts, pouches, jackets, and bedspreads.
Enter the Bazaar from the Nuruosmaniye gate, go straight (you’ll be on Kalpakçılar Caddesi). Take the fourth right (Takkeciler Caddesi), walk straight until you reach the end of the street, where you’ll come to Perdahçılar Sokağı. Look ahead and there it is!
If you’re in the market for kaftans, make sure you ask to see the suzani kaftans. If you’re not a history buff, you may not know that suzani is a type of colorful Central Asian decorative textile that often features flowers, fruits, and leaves as design motifs. In addition to kaftans, this beautiful textile is also used for rugs, pillow cases, and bedspreads, available in cotton as well as silk.
One of the highlights of the store is their range of ikat products: you’ll find it as plates, kaftans, and fabric. Pay attention to the armchairs in the shop, which feature ikat as upholstery - a great way to add an ethnic touch to your living room.
If you want to adorn the walls of your home with such delicate artwork, take a look at their small-sized textiles (featuring silk kaftans and suzani), which can be framed and exhibited as beautiful pieces of art.
The decorative objects in the shop come in the shapes of fez, Mevlana, kaftan, and pomegranate (available in ceramic and copper).
Muhlis Günbattı; Perdahçılar Caddesi No. 48, Grand Bazaar; P: (0212) 511 65 62
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