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Kırkkaşık Bedesteni suits buying a Tarsus gift during a historic city visit. The domed stone building offers a different atmosphere from modern malls, and the official tourism guide describes shops selling crafts, gifts and local products inside.
The bedesten dates to 1579, commissioned by İbrahim Bey of the Ramazanoğulları dynasty. Following restoration and reuse, it returned to commercial operation in 2007. Its name, Kırkkaşık, is associated with exterior decorations resembling spoons; browse here for varied gifts and crafts.
Kırkkaşık Bedesteni in an archival photograph.
Location and what to expectThe bedesten is at Caminur Mahallesi, Sayman Caddesi, 3433 Sokak, Tarsus near Tarsus Ulu Camii. Search its Turkish name on your map, then plan the walk between it and your intended sights. Seven domes and two entrances help identify the historic building.
It lends itself to a short visit for browsing and comparisons, but shops operate individually and may have different hours. Contact a particular workshop or seller directly. From Mersin, allow separately for the journeys to and from Tarsus and the market visit, leaving time for nearby sights.
What to buy and how to chooseGoods include ceramics, wood, copper, silver, leather and textiles, alongside local products and publications. Choose one or two categories and compare pieces at leisure. Ask about material, production location and care, distinguishing decorative objects from products designed for everyday use.
Inspect ceramic edges and cracks and ask about suitability for food and washing. For copper intended for food use, ask about lining and care and whether the seller recommends it for decoration only. For accessories, request a clear metal description and any available hallmark or document: shape and colour alone do not establish material.
Textiles and small pieces are simpler to pack than heavy vessels. For something breakable, request separate wrapping for each part and agree on final price and quantity before paying.
Another view of Kırkkaşık Bedesteni.
Choices to organise your shopping| Purpose of visit | How to make the most of it |
|---|---|
| Craft gift | Material, making method and use before comparing price |
| Ceramics or vessels | Inspect edges, suitability for use and packaging |
| Light souvenir | A textile or small piece able to withstand transport in a bag |
A suggested visitAllow roughly half an hour to an hour and a half for the bazaar itself as a planning estimate, depending on your interest in shops and crafts. Browse the whole building first and note the shop and item you like. Returning after comparing allows a calmer purchase and reduces carrying bags while exploring the rest.
Combine the bedesten with the Great Mosque and nearby sights after checking each place’s hours and respecting visiting times. For a busy Tarsus itinerary, leave fragile gifts until last or arrange a safe place for bags. Ask before photographing shops, products or craftspeople.
The historic bedesten in Tarsus.
Before going and before payingDo not assume every shop opens at the same time, particularly during holidays. Choose a cooler time for walking nearby streets and wear comfortable shoes. If someone needs an easy route, check entrances and surfaces before adding a long walk.
Keep purchase receipts and the shop’s name. For food gifts, read ingredients, expiry and transport and return requirements, choosing sealed packaging. These photographs come from the photographer’s archive published through Kültür Portalı: they document the bedesten, while the current shop mix is best confirmed when visiting.
MapOpen the location in Google Maps
Information reviewed: 6 October 2026. Check opening hours and services before visiting; photographs may be archival.
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