Istanbul has one foot in europe and the other in asia which creates a dynamic destination with a distinct culture.
Rug shopping in istanbul.
I came and went a few times over 6 months taking a couple of rugs home at a time.
There s a deep appreciation for massive modern shopping and entertainment complexes but also a reverence for the traditional most notably istanbul s grand bazaar which dates back to the 14th century.
There were no hard sell tactics.
That is what shopping for rugs is about.
Shopping for a turkish rug can turn into a tricky task.
If you are shopping at a small store in the grand bazaar for example they may pay over 7 000 us per month for rent.
That is anywhere from over a dozen cheaper rugs to one moderately expensive rug per month.
Istanbul rugs was the one place i felt like i was getting the real story on the rug i was buying.
It is important to keep this in mind when shopping especially in istanbul as the cost to do business is very expensive.
There s a deep appreciation for massive modern shopping and entertainment complexes but also a reverence for the traditional most notably istanbul s grand bazaar which dates back to the 14th century.
Aside from facing numerous decisions in choosing the perfect carpet you also must investigate to confirm that the product being sold to you is 100 real.
I have bought kilims in istanbul selcuk and urgup all have been positive in terms of the experience and the price there is a rug shop in sultanahmet next to a restaurant up the street from the hanedan hotel we3 did buy a runner from them on our last trip 2 yrs ago we spent many a happy moment at the restaurant and chatting with the shopkeepers the restaurant has changed owners it is not as.