© Sharjah Museums Authority


Name of Object:

The Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Location:

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (Sharjah)

Holding Institution:

Sharjah Art Museum / Sharjah Museums Department

 About Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah

Date of Object:

Hegira 13th century / AD 19th century

Author:

Anonymous Ottoman artist

Inventory Number:

SM2006-222

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Watercolour

Dimensions:

140 mm x 230 mm

Provenance:

Istanbul

Description:

This painting provides a fascinating insight into the activities within the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul during the 19th century CE. First built in the 15th century, its importance had declined somewhat in the 19th century, as non-Muslim merchants increasingly established independent shops in the European quarters of Istanbul rather than staying in the ‘outdated’ bazaar. Nevertheless, in 1890, there were still well over 4000 shops in the Bazaar. This image provides much detail about the appearance of traditional merchants and shops. Men, including some soldiers in European-style uniforms, and women in colourful local dress can be seen milling about the bazaar, their costume revealing important details about their ethnicity, profession and social status.

Citation of this web page:

Ulrike al-Khamis "The Grand Bazaar Istanbul" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;AWE;ua;55;en

Prepared by: Ulrike Al-Khamis

MWNF Working Number: UA 056

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