Turkey reopens iconic 15th century Grand Bazaar

Istanbul's historical shopping center was closed to stop the spread of the coronavirus

Last updated: June 02, 2020 | 10:17

Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Editor

2 MIN READ

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A customer looks at Turkish traditional-style lanterns at the iconic 15th century Grand Bazaar in Istanbul as it reopens following weeks of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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The bazaar reopened under strict rules laid out by the health ministry that include the mandatory use of masks and a limit on the number of customers allowed into shops.

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The bazaar - which was built in 1455 just two years after the Ottomans seized Istanbul, then known as Constantinople - is home to almost 3,000 shops where more than 30,000 people work.

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Turkish restaurateur Nusret Gokce, also known as 'Salt Bae', at his restaurant 'Nusr-Et' at the Grand Bazaar after its reopening in Istanbul.

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A vendor adjusts Turkish traditional-style lanterns at the iconic 15th century Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

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Shop owners open their shops in the iconic Grand Bazaar following their closure due to the coronavirus pandemic in Istanbul.

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People wearing protective face masks walk at Grand Bazaar as it reopens after weeks of closure.

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People wearing protective face masks against the spread of coronavirus, are seen reflected at foreign currency exchange shop at the Grand Bazaar.

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A vendor, wearing a protective face mask against the spread of coronavirus, waits for customers at the Grand Bazaar.

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Merchants arrange handbags at Grand Bazaar as it reopens after weeks of the close doors amid the spread of the coronavirus in Istanbul.

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Mannequins are spread out around the room to keep keeping social distancing rules with customers.

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Mannequins, placed on some tables by the cafe owner to keep keeping social distancing rules with customers, are spread out around the room.

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People, most wearing protective face masks against the spread of coronavirus, walk at the iconic 15th century Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

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A vendor wearing a protective face mask against the spread of coronavirus, waits for customers at the iconic 15th century Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

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