Various types of markets, called pazar in Turkish, are a way of life in Turkey. There are permanent markets, like the Kadikoy Pazari (market). Others, like the Kuzguncuk Pazari, have a large weekly and a smaller permanent market. The goods range from vegetables, edibles, meat, fish, cheese, spices; to housewares, kitchenware, and many things in between.
The Kadikoy Market
The Kadikoy Market is quite large with many permanent stores and, maybe almost that many smaller standalone shops or outdoor display extensions. There are also quite a few eating places. We enjoy Çiya, which serves mainly pot dishes and other prepared food along with some items prepared on demand. It features the Antep kitchen, flavorful and varied. You will find photographs of Çiya when we were there with Elif and Mina, and of a couple of shelves with copper wares and some jars filled with various pickles. In one, Elif was playing dentist to get the disturbing little thing from between Mina’s teeth; it was not successful!
No Shortage of Subjects
People in and around these markets present interesting subjects, vendors, customers, or people who may just be enjoying a quiet moment in a noisy place. As colorful as the people may be, they are in general no challenge to the varied colors of the vegetables, fruits, and many other items for sale. All in all, there is no shortage of subjects to photograph in these markets.
As we strolled down the street to go back to the car, one store that was hard to skip: Haci Bekir Confectioner, a 239-year old tradition. In my childhood, I have had many a hard candy and Turkish delight from similar stores. It still has some old-world charm, but the large jars containing the hard candy seem to have somewhat changed, and the Turkish Delight boxes have a little more modern look. There is now a small coffee or tea shop in the back.
The candy was still as colorful, the Turkish Delight just as enticing, and the people quite friendly. The candy man behind the counter was very pleasant, with a permanent genuine smile on his face, was also gracious enough to strike a pose for me.
No Fear, No Anger, No Hate!
Binnaz Melin
A very colourful display of the markets in the land of barbarians, Cemal! Do come back have a look.around once in a while.
A. Cemal Ekin
“The land of barbarians?” No way! Photographers should be attracted to visit these places and explore for themselves. The environment is constantly changing, people are growing, some items are changing, but the vibrancy remains the same in the markets.
Cemal
Haluk Atamal
Beautiful photos Cemal. Thanks a lot.
The fish I liked especially.
A. Cemal Ekin
It was the season for bonito Haluk, we enjoyed it a few times. And, the markets, they are good facilitators of photography!
Cemal