Oriental carpets constitute a major part of the Turkish shopping scene, a centuries long tradition. Locally crafted carpets and rugs have unique designs and vibrant colour patterns, but are also renowned for their extraordinary longevity. The traditional colours used for the threads are extracted from vegetables and plants. Apart from Istanbul, excellent weaving hubs are Hereke, Yahyali, Milas, Kayseri and Sivas. Leather goods make for further excellent buys to bring home from this highly eclectic country. Leather working has been a priority for the Turks during the  course of many centuries, and they have been perfecting their craft since the very early days of the country. The vast variety of leather goods includes handbags, purses, belts and leather jackets.
 
When it comes to Turkish arts and crafts, pottery is a must. Concentrated in the regions of Cappadocia, and in Avanos , this country’s pottery hub is known for its excellent red clay. Otherwise, there are some 300 workshops throughout the country, where artisans display their skill. Also, Turkish jewellery reflects a long tradition of Anatolian, Uratian, Phrygian, Lydian, Greek, Roman and Ottoman trends. The present-day jewellery industry represents an eclectic mix of various styles and techniques. A range of quality gold and silver items can be found in trendy shops as well as at flea markets. Ceramics, which have been produced in the region since the 11th Century, are best represented by Iznik decorative tiles.

If shopping in Istanbul, you are very likely to find anything that is sold by various vendors countrywide. The highlight here is, naturally, the vivid Kapaliçarsi Caddesi, which leads to the emblematic Grand Bazaar. Further places to visit at all costs include the exotic Egyptian Spice Bazaar, the Istanbul Handicrafts Center, or the Istanbul Sanatlari Çarsisi, offering fine silks, Anatolian dolls, exquisite calligraphy, and miniatures. Istiklal Caddesi is a regular shopping promenade with cafes, trendy clothing shops plus music and bookstores. The Avrupa Pasaji and the ritzy Nisantasi provide further shopping options. The numerous boutiques and specialty shops here are brimming with high-quality goods. In terms of open-air markets, the city is just a venue, where you can stroll for hours, browsing through various stalls and, of course, bargaining. Be it fresh produce, tourist traps such as T-shirts and caps saying 'Istanbul', or just peculiar antique items, the city’s markets have a great deal to offer. The Horhor Market in Akisaray and the market on Çukurcuma Sokagi in Cihangir are worth particular attention.