ECONOMY
Istanbul Shop Fest`s stands in different malls of Turkey
Baku, July 1, AZERTAC
Istanbul marked the opening of a 15-day shopping festival at its centuries-old Grand Bazaar.
At the main entrance to the bazaar, about 50 dancers performed along with an Ottoman-style janissary band, all in traditional costumes.
A parade inside the 550-year-old bazaar, which has 60 streets and more than 3,000 shops mostly renowned for hand-made carpets, jewelry, fine china, spices and antiques.
As part of the shopping festival, meetings with well-known artisans, workshops, guided tours and exhibitions will be organized inside the bazaar, the largest and oldest covered market in the world.
Some 90 million people visit the Grand Bazaar each year, making it one of the most visited places in the world, according to local officials.
The design component of the festival, which was first organized in 2011, will be showcased at modern shopping malls across Istanbul, where well-known local fashion designers shall be present.