Vezirköprü Old Town
A living museum of traditional crafts, Vezirköprü Old Town offers a glimpse into centuries-old artistry with its bustling bazaar and skilled artisans.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Artisans are actively working
Vezirköprü Old Town
Best Time
Artisans are actively working
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A living museum of traditional crafts, Vezirköprü Old Town offers a glimpse into centuries-old artistry with its bustling bazaar and skilled artisans.
"It is a must-see place, bringing back memories and warmth of the past with its historical covered bazaar."
🛍️ Shop for Unique Crafts
Find handmade samovars, stoves, leather goods, and more. Prices are reasonable for authentic souvenirs.
☕ Enjoy a Tea Break
Relax in a traditional tea shop within the bazaar. A perfect way to soak in the atmosphere.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 111 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
Central section of the Old Town
A square structure with four domes, housing 110 shops. Witness intricate brickwork and a unique prayer dome.
Arasta Section
Around the Covered Bazaar
Discover vaulted shops and artisans crafting traditional samovars, stoves, and leather goods.
Artisan Workshops
Throughout the Old Town
Watch skilled craftsmen at work, from coppersmiths to knife makers. A true glimpse into traditional Turkish artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Artisanal Charm
Timing Your Visit for Authenticity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Shop for Unique Crafts
Find handmade samovars, stoves, leather goods, and more. Prices are reasonable for authentic souvenirs.
☕ Enjoy a Tea Break
Relax in a traditional tea shop within the bazaar. A perfect way to soak in the atmosphere.
🚶♂️ Wander and Explore
Don't rush! The charm is in discovering hidden corners and observing daily life.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate brickwork and artisan tools make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Shop for Unique Crafts
Find handmade samovars, stoves, leather goods, and more. Prices are reasonable for authentic souvenirs.
☕ Enjoy a Tea Break
Relax in a traditional tea shop within the bazaar. A perfect way to soak in the atmosphere.
🚶♂️ Wander and Explore
Don't rush! The charm is in discovering hidden corners and observing daily life.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate brickwork and artisan tools make for fantastic photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Vezirköprü Old Town for its preserved historical texture and the authentic experience of watching traditional artisans at work, particularly samovar makers. The reasonable prices and pleasant atmosphere are frequently highlighted, making it a must-see destination for those seeking genuine local crafts and a glimpse into the past.
"Restaurant"
semih sözer
"It is known that Yusuf Ağa, father of Ayşe Hanım, built it in 1160 AH. It consists of two sections: the inner and outer covered bazaar. It has four gates and 110 shops. The inner covered bazaar was used as a caravanserai and was endowed by Ayşe. The arasta section developed around the covered bazaar. Entered by low-arched doors on four sides, the covered bazaar is a square structure covered with four domes. The domes are supported by brick arches adjacent to the walls. The arches, pendentives, and domes achieve a beautiful appearance with their neat brickwork. The square space, recessed in the middle section where the brick arch supporting the main dome rests, is covered with a small dome. This section, visible from the outside between the main domes, is a prayer dome. To the north of the arasta, which is entered through round-arched gates, are vaulted shops. The shops on the side facing the covered bazaar are triangular in shape to save space."
KoSeKu
"Its historical texture has been preserved, and it's a nice freebie... There's also a restaurant inside. The service is high-quality, and the atmosphere is pleasant. Around us are craftsmen and artisans making samovars and stoves... Historically distorted...👏👏"
Erdoğan Yücel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vezirköprü is accessible by road. You can reach it by bus from major cities like Samsun. Once in Vezirköprü, the Old Town is centrally located and easily walkable.
Limited street parking is available in the vicinity. It's advisable to arrive early or consider parking a short walk away to avoid congestion.
Yes, it's feasible as a day trip, especially if you're coming from Samsun or nearby towns. Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore the bazaar and workshops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Vezirköprü Old Town and its bazaar is free. You only pay for any purchases you make from the shops or restaurants.
The Old Town and its shops are generally open from morning until evening, typically around 9 AM to 7 PM. However, artisan workshops might have slightly different hours.
The cobblestone streets and some of the older structures might present challenges. While the main bazaar is relatively flat, some shops have steps. It's best to inquire locally for specific accessibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historical covered bazaar and arasta, watch artisans craft samovars, stoves, and leather goods, and enjoy traditional Turkish tea. It's a place to experience local craftsmanship.
Official guided tours might be limited. However, you can often find local guides in the area, or simply enjoy exploring at your own pace and interacting with the shopkeepers.
Wander through the arasta section and observe the artisans at work. Don't hesitate to politely ask them about their craft; many are happy to share their knowledge.
Vezirköprü Old Town is generally considered a safe and welcoming place for tourists. Standard travel precautions are always recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located within the historical covered bazaar, offering a pleasant dining experience with a historical ambiance.
You can find traditional Turkish cuisine. The restaurant within the bazaar offers a good opportunity to taste local dishes in a unique setting.
Absolutely! Numerous tea shops are scattered throughout the bazaar and arasta, perfect for a refreshing break and people-watching.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the intricate brickwork of the bazaar domes, the detailed craftsmanship of the artisans, and the bustling atmosphere of the shops. The narrow alleys also offer great shots.
It's generally appreciated to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of artisans. A smile and a polite gesture usually suffice.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the textures and details. Late afternoon can offer warmer light and a more atmospheric feel as shops prepare to close.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit