The centuries-old bazaar in Istanbul was closed for weeks because of Corona. Now the dealers can open their shops again.
Istanbul (dpa) - The famous Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is open to visitors again after a break of more than two months due to the corona pandemic. Initially, only 11 of the 22 bazaar gates opened, said Governor Ali Yerlikaya. In addition, a mask requirement applies.
Gold trader Fatih Lebit said: "We are very happy, this is a historic place." There were many visitors on the first day, but the bazaar was not as busy as usual. "There are no tourists," he said.
Ankara hopes to attract foreign tourists from mid-June and expects the German government to lift its worldwide travel warning to Turkey before the summer holidays. Turkey last wanted to resume its international air traffic on June 10.
The Grand Bazaar, built and expanded from the 15th century, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey. In the often densely populated labyrinth of covered aisles, there are around 3,600 shops, according to Hasan Firat, the boss of the shopkeepers' association. Tourism is one of the most important sources of income for the country, whose economy and currency have been weakening for a long time.
