İSTANBUL – Grand bazaar’s business were slumped 80 percent because of economic crisis and most of the shops are close. Trades say customers rate decreased and incomes are depending on tourism and foreign currency.


Five centuries history place Grand bazaar is the most damaged place after economic crisis. Four thousand capatiy bazaar’s trades are waiting for customer in front of their shops. They called us to take their picture when they saw us we are journalists and complained about recent economic situation in Turkey.

Leather products shop owner Ömer Yeniköy says “We are about the closing down our shops after explosions and mistakes about foreign policies. We can’t even pay our rent prices. There is no production nor consumption after dollar raised up 3.5 Turkish lira. I could not even sell a thing since two days. 80 percent of my business downed”.


Yeniköy “at before 200 people were passing in front of my shop. But today it decreased to 20 people. There is no European tourist anymore” said.

A cosmetic shop owner Zafer Koç “I open my shop at early mornings but I can make my first sale of the day around 14.00-15.00. If our foreign polices will be good we may have save our shop. We are sweating to pay our rent price because we are paying with dollar. Dollar was 2.80 lira but now 3.50. After Sultanahmet Explosion business are deadness” said.


Souvenir shop owner Ozan Orman “ There is no sale since one year.Bazaar economy is depending on tourist and foreign currency. There are many closed shops. I m working here since 20 years but I never seen such a thing. This is the first time it is happening to me” said.