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A visit to the Bedesten in Trabzon lets you see a historic commercial building before exploring the surrounding bazaar streets. Make it a heritage walk with time to compare shops. Its interest lies in its connection with the old market and the city’s crafts, rather than the number of retail brands.
An archival photograph of the entrance to Trabzon Bedesten.
What is the Bedesten and where is it?The building is Trabzon’s oldest commercial structure, in the heart of its bazaar. It is attributed to the late fifteenth century, after the Ottoman conquest, through its association with Gülbahar Hatun’s charitable foundations.
Begin with the building and its surroundings, checking interior access and current use on the day. Its history as a market does not establish that every part now operates as shops, or that it has a permanent exhibition or fixed visiting schedule.
What to seek in the surrounding bazaarTrabzon’s traditions include hasır metal weaving, telkâri filigree and kazaziye, alongside textiles and copperwork. Ask shops about these products and where they were made. Availability varies between shops; do not assume they are sold inside the Bedesten itself.
Hasır involves weaving metal, telkâri creates decoration with fine wires, and kazaziye wraps metal around a thread. Ask the seller to explain the method, assessing decorative appeal separately from the metal type, fineness and weight.
A wall of Trabzon Bedesten in an archival photograph from July 2008.
Checking a gift before buying| Item | Useful question |
|---|---|
| Metal jewellery | What are the metal, fineness and weight? Is an invoice provided? |
| Handmade piece | Who made it, and where? Is it entirely handmade? |
| Textile | What are the material composition and washing instructions? |
| Copperware | Is it decorative or for use? What care does it need? |
Compare pieces with similar weight, material and workmanship. Two visually similar items of jewellery may differ in price because of their metal, weight or craftsmanship. Keep the shop’s details and invoice, and ask for the making charge to be shown separately where it forms part of the price.
Organising your walkChoose a starting point on your map using Trabzon Bedesten, leave your car in a designated car park and continue on foot along the available route. Wear comfortable shoes and compare shops before buying heavy items. Ask permission before photographing a worker or workshop, and avoid obstructing the shop while watching.
Trabzon Bedesten in Çarşı neighbourhood, February 2016.
Who will enjoy this visit?It suits people who enjoy old bazaars and gifts connected with a place, as part of exploring central Trabzon. Mall guides may be more useful for particular sizes from a specific brand. Take time to inspect a valuable piece, pack it appropriately and check your baggage allowance before choosing large items.
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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