Most of my friends who visit me here in İstanbul ask the traditional tourist question; "what should we bring back home?". Well obviously İstanbul has great presents, from Turkish delights to carpets, textiles to jewels etc. But considering my friend to have the same logic as I am I suggest them to buy the world famous Evil Eye.
It's very tempting, the story it holds is interesting and obviously it's very exotic. But when I say Evil Eye I don't mean the normal ones that we all might be acquainted one way or the other. As documented above I suggest to get the, as I call them, the Fat Bottom Evil Eyes. You can hang them to anywhere in your house, give it as a precious present and guarantee a smile.
It comes in various colours, sizes and styles. Just document the vision in your head and dwell into the Grand Bazaar (which obviously is the best address). Just don't dare to forget to bargain...
Grand Bazaar
Per Evil Eye:
TL
30
Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The café, nestled among the bookshelves, serves as a cosy refuge where one can savour their coffee while getting lost in the pages of a newfound gem.
by
Borboleta welcomes you with the warmth and comfort of home and yet with an elegant service like you belong to a royal community.
by
From internationally acclaimed jazz masters to dynamic dance performances, the CRR Concert Hall consistently offers top-notch entertainment.
by
Suna'nin Yeri's commitment to sourcing only the finest seafood is evident in every bite. Everything that is served here is fresh and sourced daily.
by
"Homemade Aromaterapi" is a small, beautiful shop in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Come here for cold-pressed essential oils, cleansers, soaps, toothpaste & more!
by
"Kuzguncuk" in Istanbul is a uniquely beautiful neighborhood with old colorful houses, mansions and friendly shopkeepers - a sense of connected community.
by
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...
by
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 236 Insider Tips