Prices have increased 4 times, the stalls remain for tourists.

One Turkey, once a country of agriculture and livestock, has been discussing 30 TL of onion and 390 TL of meat with prices doubled in the last year. In the region, which is around the historic Spice Bazaar and extends to Tahtakale, artisans selling to citizens say sales have declined along with budgets. Noting that prices have risen exponentially, traders noted that sales fell by at least 25 percent due to the decline in Arab tourists during Ramadan and the melting power of citizens.

PURCHASING POWER IS VERY LOW

People around the bazaar pointed out that sales were stagnant during this period and claimed that they were preparing for the one week period before the party. A cheese vendor we spoke to in the region said that normally locals buy, but Bulgarian tourists have been coming to buy lately. Purchasing power has gone down a lot. People cut themselves without eating or drinking. Europeans come and buy the world’s products for 10 euros. The price of cheese is 4 times that of last year. A Bulgarian lev has exceeded 10 TL. They come and buy cheap cheese and olives here. The higher the prices, the lower the sales. We have a 25 percent decline in this period,” he said. Another trader selling Turkish delight and dates at the Spice Bazaar said: “There are European tourists, but they buy 100 grams. An Arab tourist buys gifts for 8-10 families,” he said.

The Arabs keep the merchants of the Spice Bazaar alive

With the expected Istanbul earthquake after the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş, the reservations here were canceled in the first place and an uncomfortable wait began in the sector. However, the Spice Bazaar merchants pointed out that there is not much of a recessionary effect on the bazaar these days, except for Ramadan. A shopkeeper selling souvenirs said they expect activity to pick up after the holidays, saying: “The Arabs keep the bazaar alive. We are also working with Europeans, but the Arabs are buying more,” he said.

Dates are 10 lire.

In Eminönü, which attracts both citizens and foreign tourists and expats, the difference between the prices inside and outside the Spice Bazaar is wide. However, prices are also abroad where the factory outlets are located and where citizens expect to find more affordable prices. While grain shopping has become a general situation, date grain has been on the counter for 10TL and Christmas candy for 120TL. While prices for olives grown in all regions of Turkey vary between 90 and 115 TL, Kayseri’s pastrami goes up to 740 TL. Sausage prices are 349 TL, 200 grams of bacon are sold for 120 TL.