Istanbul, a city home to many civilizations throughout history, carries traces of the past in its unique architecture and cultural fabric. At the heart of this cosmopolitan city is the Grand Bazaar, a symbol of centuries of cultural and commercial heritage that is more than just a shopping center. While its grand interior draws attention, another often-overlooked aspect of the bazaar is equally intriguing: its roof.
Beneath the roof of the Grand Bazaar, thousands of artisans and merchants have maintained their crafts with unwavering dedication over the years. As visitors stroll through this treasure trove of carpets, jewelry and antiques, the rooftop quietly watches over their exploration. The roof became a topic of conversation in 2012 during the filming of the James Bond movie Skyfall, when motorcycles were driven across it, causing significant damage.
Following considerable public backlash, the restoration of the bazaar began in July 2016. Today, the restoration of the Grand Bazaar's rooftop has been completed and is now open to the public in coordination with travel agencies, offering visitors a panoramic view of Istanbul's historic peninsula from the rooftop. The Grand Bazaar's rooftop tours offer visitors a unique perspective of Istanbul's historic peninsula.
Walking across the rooftop, they can see iconic structures that testify to various eras of the city’s history. This area became the Ottoman capital after Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered Istanbul, showcasing a mosai.
