In some parts of the bazaars in Constantinople (now Istanbul), you will find many second-hand dealers. These shops become especially important during Ramazan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. During this time, many Turkish families—who often live from day to day—face financial difficulties and need extra money to prepare for the upcoming Bairam holiday (also known as Eid al-Fitr), which is similar to Easter in spirit. It is a time when everyone wants to wear new clothes and celebrate with food and gifts.
To get money for Bairam, some people sell their valuable possessions. This includes jewelry, embroidered fabrics, silverware, rugs, and more. The ladies of the harems, in particular, are eager to get funds for the holiday. If their husbands refuse to give them money, they often send servants to the bazaars to sell household treasures—sometimes for very low prices A Global Contribution to St. Sophia’s Splendor.
Because of this, careful shoppers can find great bargains among the second-hand dealers during Ramazan.
Religious Rest Days in the Bazaar
The bazaars in Constantinople are religiously diverse, and this is reflected in their weekly schedule. Different religious communities close their shops on different days:
Friday: Turkish Muslims close their stalls for Jum’ah, the Muslim holy day.
Saturday: Jewish shopkeepers take a break for the Sabbath.
Sunday: Christian Armenians and Greeks observe their day of rest.
This rotating closure system keeps the bazaars active almost every day, while also respecting each group’s traditions.
Auction Sales Loud and Lively
A special section of the bazaars is dedicated to auction sales. These auctions are lively, noisy, and sometimes very confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Instead of calmly announcing their bids, buyers and sellers shout loudly, trying to out-yell each other. They often make jokes or comments back and forth with the auctioneer, creating a scene that feels more like a market show than a formal sale. Some compare the energy to the Board of Trade in Chicago Balkan Tours 2018.
Even during these auctions, religion comes first. If the call to prayer is heard, many faithful Muslims will immediately stop what they’re doing—whether in the auction room or out in the street. Without hesitation, they will kneel down and pray, showing deep devotion regardless of who is watching.
A City Where Faith and Commerce Mix
The bazaars of Constantinople are not only places for buying and selling—they are full of life, tradition, and faith. During Ramazan, the mix of religious devotion, economic hardship, and festive preparation creates a unique atmosphere. Whether it’s a woman selling her heirloom jewelry or a man kneeling to pray in the middle of a busy auction, every scene reflects the deep culture and character of the city.
