Mehmed the Conqueror ordered it eight years after the conquest — 61 covered streets, 4,000+ shops, a quarter-million daily visitors, five and a half centuries on. Gold street, carpets, leather, lanterns, then the nearby Egyptian Bazaar for real spices. Haggle from 40-50% with a smile and probable tea; enter via Beyazıt gate; weekday mornings beat weekend crush.