Friday, December 25, 2015

SPRING HOME DECOR IDEAS WITH GRAND BAZAAR SHOPPING

Holiday season is over and it is time to start thinking about small changes and add some more bright colors to your decoration. It does not have to be big but some little touches make a big difference and great for freshen your home, preparing it to spring.  Here are some home decor ideas with the Grand Bazaar Shopping pieces :-) You can find all the pieces we have used on; www.grandbazaarshopping.com

Turkish Firuze Bowls

The traditional colors of Firuze Bowls are Turquoise, with relief floral figures. They bring this Mediterranean, fresh touch immediately to any space. 



You can buy this beautiful Firuze Bowl here: HERE





COPPER SUGAR BOWLS:

If you like to have some treats on the table it is a great idea to use a unique sugar bowl! Turkish copper art is really special (to know more about it you can see our blog post HERE) and this handmade sugar bowl is one of our favorites! You can shop it from HERE


This Ewer is a piece that pass generations, it is made of hand-hammered Copper and traditional Iznik Ceramic. You can find it HERE


Some Pomegranate to add fertility to your home, you can find it HERE


Large Turkish Ceramic Bowls and Plates bring the cheer of the fresh season to places.
Find them HERE


Hope everyone will enjoy the coming season!



Thursday, December 3, 2015

I HAVE THIS THING WITH CEILINGS! AMAZING CEILING WORKS FROM ISTANBUL

Istanbul is blessed with Ceiling works inside its beautiful, old buildings thanks to two Empires, Byzantine and Ottoman. They knew how to create amazing buildings and never ignored the ceilings. Side note: While you are in Istanbul, it is a good idea to keep your chin up, you would`t like to miss all the action going on above you!

1) DOLMABAHCE PALACE

Must See place! Dolmabahce Palace stands in one of the cutest streets in Istanbul, Besiktas, right next to the amazing Bosphorus view. Do not forget to add this magnificent palace to your list.



2) SULEYMANIYE PALACE

Locates in Eminonu, Old Istanbul area, Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most visited Mosque by tourists. No wonder why, the spiritual feeling captures you from the first second you step in! It is also so close to our store, right after you visit this amazing building, come have a cup of Turkish Coffee with us!

 

3) BLUE MOSQUE
There is no one that visits Istanbul and not talk about this building. It has completed in 1616, besides its breathtaking architecture, you can find the best examples of Blue-White Iznik Ceramics inside this Mosque, actually this is the reason why Europeans started calling it Blue Mosque, the original name is Sultanahmet Mosque which takes its name from the area.



4) HAGIA SOPHIA

Well, Istanbul offers so much when you are into architecture, art and history. Not days, even weeks are not enough to see all the beauties. But if you are lack of time ladies, put the Hagia Sophia to the Top of your list! You will understand why.



5) GRAND BAZAAR! 

Welcome to One of the Oldest and Largest (No kidding) covered market! The paradise of Turkish Handcrafts.  Most of the people get so amazed with all the colors, tourists and the building itself, they go back home with regretting not bought enough. Keep your eyes open while you visit this incredible souk, do not forget to check the ceiling works! And if you want to buy something from here, no worries you know where you can find Grand Bazaar´s beautiful pieces; www.grandbazaarshopping.com )

 


6) TOPKAPI PALACE

First of all, like all the palaces in Istanbul, Topkapi palace is huge! You probably need one whole day to see everything. If you are into the Turkish Culture and want to know more about it`s history, it is a great idea to visit! Side Note: The museum is closed on Tuesdays, it is better try to plan your visit beforehand. 



Monday, November 30, 2015

CUTEST KITTENS OF THE GRAND BAZAAR, ISTANBUL

These cute kittens prefer to live in the most popular part of Istanbul, with all the tourist attention and amazing buildings, around the Grand Bazaar. No surprise as the store owners looove them, spending their time mostly posing for tourist cameras or crawl down the middle of this historical area, watching the crowd..


#ANTIQUELOVER


# EVILEYESPOT

#CANIHELPYOU

 #MONDAYS



 #BAE

 #MEMYSELFANDI







Monday, November 23, 2015

DETAILS OF TOPKAPI PALACE

During Ottoman Empire, Topkapi palace was not only where the Ottoman Sultans and their families stayed but also a centre of the management, education. Built in 1460-1478 this magnificent building still has one of the most valuable Ottoman heritage..

We wanted to show the most magnificent corners of this beautiful architecture!



This photo turned out so iconic, probably our favorite!


Harem which comes from the word `Haram´(Forbidden) where Sultan`s concubines were spending their days and this part of the palace was forbidden to any man.


Gosh, Tiles! How much we love them, can be the best thing that Ottoman Empire left for the world.


And ceiling works are another story, we can just look and amazed by them.. These colors are simply  gorgeous!


Fountains are so common in Istanbul. You can find fountains in every gate of Ottoman Palaces. All the visitors needed to clean themselves before entering the palaces..


Another amazing ceiling and window. It is a good idea to keep your eyes up when you are in Istanbul!


#WeHaveThisThingWithOldWindows! But especially this one!

Thursday, November 12, 2015

OTTOMAN SHERBET RECIPE

When you are walking around Grand Bazaar, wondering  how many more pictures you can take or what else to buy, you might need a cool drink to energize! You can buy a soda from any corner but what we will suggest is something more traditional; Ottoman Sherbet!


During Ottoman Empire, Grand Bazaar was where the Sultans and their families visited every time to shop fabrics, spices, gold.. Since there were no soda, during their visits they were having Ottoman Sherbets..
And today, you can still have this great drink if you can catch a `Sherbetci`(Sherbet man) around the bazaar, because you can`t find this drink in cafes or restaurants and they are the only one who sells them.
But for the ones who never tried it or once tried and miss the taste, it is not so much trouble to make it own your own :)
Here is the most popular sherbet recipe that stayed from Ottoman Empire till today!

HIBISKUS SHERBET


Hibiskus is known as a strong anti-oxidant and full of Vitamin C.
  • 2 lt water
  • 3 table spoon hibiskus
  • 1 tea spoon carnation
  • 1 fresh cinnamon
  • 1/2 lime,
  • 3/4 water glass sugar
Boil water, hibiscus, cinnamon, carnation and lime for 20 mins and turn the heat lower after boiling and let them boil for 20 more mins with lower heat. Refine the liquid, add the sugar and stir until the sugar melts. After it cools to room temperature, keep it in fridge and service cold.

Afiyet Olsun! (Enjoy it)

You can service your Sherbet with our Authentic ewers & Mugs; Here
And Our Unique Cups; Here


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS!

Holiday is almost here and the rush is already started! It might be the most excited time of the year and we are all looking for the perfect gifts!
We have picked some great gift ideas for you..


Turkish Ceramic Vases and Ewers can be amazing gifts! They are only handmade in Turkey and one-of-a-kind home decor. They make great gifts for housewarming, Christmas, for colleagues & bosses.
Find them online Here





Table-ware is another great idea! These Turkish Ceramic Caftans are made inspired by the daily clothes of Ottoman Sultans. Find them Here



Some Mediterranean touch never hurts :) We love the warm colors of Turkish Ceramic Bowls.
find these beautiful handworks Here


No Christmas without candles! This oriental candle set is such a hit, since they arrived to our website, they became one of the best sellers! Find them Here before they are all sold out!



Our Kilim Cushion are so popular! They are so cosy and their natural dyed colors are perfect for every season. Bloggers also love our cushions! Find them Here


Turkish Tea Sets are such unique gifts, they are perfect for . You can check out all Turkish Tea Sets Here


Turkish Ceramic Art is made in Anatolia since 16th century. As the Grand Bazaar Istanbul is full of these beautiful Decorative Plates and it might be the #1 gift that everyone gets for their family & friends from the bazaar. You can shop these beautiful plates Here



Copper Sugar/Chocolate Bowls are great for authentic serving experience. They are Here


Meet your family and friends with Turkish Copper Art. You have may options as coffee sets,  pots, spoons, grinders and more!


Turkish Coffee Sets are handmade of copper which keeps the coffee warm for a longer time. They are perfect for coffee, espresso, americano and more! Find them Here


Thursday, October 15, 2015

TURKISH BREAKFAST HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH HAPPINESS!

You woke up this morning, maybe are late for the job and have only 10 mins to leave home. In that case the best thing to do might seem like having a cup of coffee or a quick stop to Starbucks to have an Americano shot(!) or maybe even wait couple of hours and have a large lunch to reward yourself.

But today just take a break and we will tell you how to actually 'reward' yourself!




NOT ONE GLASS BUT CAN I HAVE ONE SAMOVAR OF TEA PLEASE?

Lets talk about a sunny Istanbul morning with amazing Mediterrenean weather and Bosphorus view! You sat down one of the cosy breakfast cafes right next to the sea with your family. They already brought you a huge copper samovar of Turkish Tea! (Copper keeps the tea warm, that's why we prefer using copper turkish tea makers in Turkey)


HONEY, CLOTTED CREAM AND TULUM CHEESE, SIMIT

The taste of warm newly baked Simit, cream and organic honey! As Turkish Moms always belives; 'This will give you the energy you need for today!'


LET´S HAVE THE THIRD GLASS OF TURKISH TEA!

Another amazing thing about Turkish Breakfast is 'Menemen'! It is a special omelette made in copper pan with tomato, egg and fresh Turkish paprika! Of course Sucuk and pastırma to the side! Let's not forget the organic jams!
Turkish breakfast is not only about amazing tastes but it also bring the family together! Best thing can be drinking the tasty Turkish Coffee right after this crazy breakfast and enjoy the time with your family!

Sunday, October 11, 2015

TURKISH KILIM CUSHIONS - KILIM PILLOWS DECORATION IDEAS

How many e-mails we have been receiving about our Kilim Cushions! They arrive and Sold out, arrive and Sold out! And our customers who missed the chance the buy or were`t fast enough :) kept sending us e-mails that they NEEDED these pillows :) Finally they are online! We stock up hand-picked amazing Turkish Kilim pillows that are handmade from Vintage Wool Kilim Rugs and we price them only from 19$ - Madness! :)
You can find them here; http://www.grandbazaarshopping.com/#!cushions/c1g5t


Here are the inspiration to lighten up your spaces with our unique Kilim Cushions!


They are just perfect for every season, with their natural and happy colors!



Blending with simple, never hurts!


Go boho deluxe! How much we love these colors!!



This setting is just amazing! How cosy can it get?!