Like farmer’s markets Turkish bazaars (pazars) are open-air shops where local villagers sell their goods. Items sold range from fresh organic fruit and vegetables, spices, cheeses, and olives to fabrics, imitation Gucci handbags, and fake Rolex watches.
Even if you don’t buy anything, soaking in the atmosphere and mingling with the Turkish people is a fantastic experience! Each day of the week, there’s a bazaar in a different village on the Bodrum Peninsula.
I’m trying to keep my luggage light and can’t make many purchases. Just the same I’m a huge fan of the fruit and vegetables and usually eat my purchases before they make it back to the hotel. Three TL ($1.50) buys a kilo of the sweetest strawberries you’ll ever eat!
There are many interesting Turkish breads. Village women make a delicious wheel-shaped bread called bazlama. It’s a griddle bread made with whole wheat – either plain or flavored with herbs and olives.Two of the most famous bazaars are the Bodrum fabric bazaar on Tuesdays and the Turgutreis food and clothing bazaar on Saturdays. This is a list of some local village bazaars:
• Monday – Güvercinli and Turkbuku
• Tuesday – Bodrum textiles, fabrics, clothing
• Wednesday – Gümüslük and Ortakent
• Thursday – Bodrum food
• Friday – Bodrum and Yalikavak food
• Saturday – Turgutreis
• Sunday – Mumcular and Gumbet
I can feel how much fun you are having there. I love it!