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Bezesteni Ottoman Market: A Glimpse into Thessaloniki's Past

Explore Thessaloniki's Ottoman past at the Bezesteni Market, a historic textile center with unique architecture and vibrant shops.

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The Bezesteni Ottoman Market, dating back to the 15th century, stands as a testament to Thessaloniki's rich Ottoman heritage. Once a bustling textile and precious goods market, it now houses a variety of shops, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's vibrant past and multicultural legacy.

A brief summary to Bezesteni Ottoman Market

  • Monday 9 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-9 pm
  • Friday 9 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
  • Explore the surrounding streets for hidden gems and local shops.
  • Check the opening hours, as they align with standard shop hours.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Bezesteni Ottoman Market is centrally located and easily accessible by foot from many popular points in Thessaloniki. From Aristotelous Square, walk east towards Egnatia Street. Continue along Egnatia Street for about 10 minutes until you reach Agiou Dimitriou Street. Turn left onto Agiou Dimitriou Street and walk for approximately 5 minutes. The market will be on your right, at Dionisiou Solomou 20.

  • Public Transport

    If starting from the White Tower, take bus number 31 from a nearby bus stop. Ride the bus for approximately 10 minutes and disembark at the 'Dionisiou Solomou' stop. From there, walk a short distance down Dionisiou Solomou Street to find the Bezesteni Ottoman Market on your left. A single bus ticket costs €0.90. A ticket valid for 70 minutes and two trips costs €1.10.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Thessaloniki. Provide the driver with the address: Dionisiou Solomou 20. A taxi ride from most central locations should take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. A taxi within the city will likely cost around €5.

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Discover more about Bezesteni Ottoman Market

Located at the heart of Thessaloniki, at the corner of Venizelou and Solomou streets, the Bezesteni Ottoman Market is one of the city's most significant Ottoman monuments. The term 'Bezesteni' (Bezesten) translates to 'textile market' in Turkish, reflecting its historical role as a commercial center for luxurious textiles, silk, and other valuable items. It also served as a place for quality control of merchandise and currency exchange. Constructed during the 15th century, in the classical era of Ottoman architecture, the market's construction is attributed to either Sultan Mehmet II (1455–1459) or Bayezid II towards the end of the 15th century. The building features a square design with four entrances, one on each side, and is covered by six lead domes arranged in two rows. These domes are supported by seven double arches that rest on two central pillars. Originally, the interior housed sixty-nine small shops, with an additional forty-four possibly wooden shops on the exterior. Throughout its history, the Bezesteni has undergone several changes. Following the earthquakes of 1978, restoration work uncovered inscriptions in Turkish, Greek, French, and South Slavic languages, left by workers who had repaired the market over time. The fire of 1917 caused significant damage, after which the building was rebuilt with new additions. Today, the Bezesteni continues to operate, retaining its commercial character with shops selling fabrics, jewelry and flowers. It also functions as an exposition space. A visit offers a chance to experience a piece of Thessaloniki's Ottoman past and appreciate the city's multicultural heritage.

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