Say your closet is hungry.
Say your wallet is even hungrier.
Say God is kind.
And *bing* you end up in the magical Turkish markets where a lot of major brands are sold for a fraction of the price.
Oh yeah!
TIP: Look for the items with their tags snipped off – they are usually well known brands that are trying to disguise the fact that they have ended up on a market (just like the jet-setting ladies that are trying to disguise themselves too who will pretend they bought these at the mall).
Here are tips and information regarding the markets I have seen so far in Izmir.
The more I explore, the more I will update.
Bostanli Market – Izmir
This is one of the best markets here apparently.
I can see why!
Abundence of everything: clothes, undies, carpets, curtains, kitchen goods… kinda like a non-virtual version of Amazon.com.
Public transport is pretty good in Izmir. It took me and my partner in crime (mom) a little dolmus ride followed by a ferry crossing to Bostanli and about 15 minutes of walking to get to it.
It’s a pleasurable walk from the ferry to the market.
Like most of us women in Turkey, mom also has a crush on Ataturk.
Here’s a photo of them together… kinda.
We’re here!
It’s super crowded.
Tip: Try to get here around 9 or 10 am. You will be avoiding the worst of the crowds and will have more to chose from.
Weird tip (just go with it): Before you hit the crowds (preferably at home) take a few deep breaths and calm your head. Picture yourself inside a big white bubble then head out. Think of it as your energy condom.
Makes sense? Doesn’t have to, just check in and see if you feel less drained by the crowds the end of the day.
Well, they have a nice, big section for fruits & vegetables.
Lots and lots of variety and very far away from my circle of interest right now.
We head to the ‘everything else under the sun’ section.
Tip: Wear one of those diagonal handbags or a back-pack because you are going to need all of your fingers, hands, arms to dig through the mountains of clothes…. and it will be worth the treasures you will find – promise!
Skirt for 5 Liras.
That’s less than 2 Dollars folks.
And the quality is pretty darn good.
These were about 10 Lira for 6 pieces.
While you dress yourself, you can dress your home too: zebra blinds.
I actually ended up buying curtains for 10 Liras from this market.
Me and mom usually buy our beads from Kemeralti but the lady here also had pretty good prices.
For all you fellow accessory makers out there.
My bestie Sibel had once told me that according to a survey Turks were very good at determining the quality of clothing by touching it.
I touched these – they passed the test.
If a part of my heart is missing, this little island is to blame. Need to go back and get it at some point, no? *sigh*
Amputated legs doing the can-can.
Cry if you must at what life throws your way, but always return to that smile.
This is what I ended up with.
My new, favorite yoga leggings – cost me 10 Liras.
The one-piece sheer white curtain covers a standard double window – that also cost me 10 Liras.
The pink lacy number there is a nighty and was the last piece. Another 5 Liras spent… broke the bank… not!
Joy, joy, joy!
Details:
Timings:
Every Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm.
What you can find:
Everything and lots of it for men as well as women: Clothes, shoes, underwear, handbags, suitcases, home textiles such as curtains, pillowcases, bed covers, table cloths, pillows, every kind of kitchenware you might need, hardware, fruits and veggies, butters, jams, honey, assortment of cheeses, olives, natural soaps, cleaning items…
Food:
Little vendors are located both inside or just outside the huge market. Try the ‘gozleme’ with ayran (buttermilk) or tea. Yum!
Location:
Happy shopping!!