Traveling to Istanbul (not Constantanople)

[adamant]

Anything I should keep an eye out for to collect, shaving or other?

I think I still have enough derby blades, and I don't want to check bags, so let's steer clear of the sharps.

Thanks

 

[Pumpkin]

Went to Turkey about 10 years ago. Picked up a very nice carpet in Istanbul...took several hours and lots of black tea to be shown EVERY rug in the shop.

Used to be you could pick up pretty decent leather in the Bazzar.

 

[airplanedoc]

If you pick them right you could probably pay for yor trip with rugs

 

[adamant]

If you pick them right you could probably pay for yor trip with rugs

hmm, where would you recommend I sell them? Would this be an ebay thing? Anyone on here want me to grab one?

I've heard that, in India and Pakistan at least, the stuff that gets exported is the higher quality goods.

 

[cim_can]

I would recommend getting some of the manuscript paintings - they're really neat. I would be suspicious if someone told you that it's an original, ancient painting. Most of them are modern creations done on old schoolbook pages.
There's a good seller in the Old Bazaar portion of the Grand Bazaar - in Turkish, the manuscript paintings are called "minyatur"

I'll try to think of some more stuff.

 

[dog]

I'm not sure if it would be worth bringing back anything shave related from Turkey.

As far as Turkish products go, I only know of Arko and Derby. And their stuff is dirt cheap to order online. I would be interested to see if you can find anything new there that might be worth picking up.

 

[airplanedoc]

I would guess there are plenty of people in Philly who have oriental/persian rugs in their homes. I have a friend who purchased 3 9'x12' for $1000 there and sold 2 here for $3000. He got a free rug and 2K for his hassle.

 

[Ceezer]

Don't eat the nuts...

 

[Storer50]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4phHwSSing

Sorry had to

 

[tclevela]

Oh great!
Now I've got the They Might Be Giants song "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" song running through my head!

 

[adamant]

I would guess there are plenty of people in Philly who have oriental/persian rugs in their homes. I have a friend who purchased 3 9'x12' for $1000 there and sold 2 here for $3000. He got a free rug and 2K for his hassle.

I wouldn't know where to begin in the buying or selling aspect. Though, it is tempting.


Now that I think about it, I will need to pick up some blades when I get over there. Can I assume most drug stores will carry at least a small selection?

 

[professorchaos]

Lucky you. I'd love to make it to Istanbul one of these days. Bourdain just did an episode of No Reservations there in case you are looking for some places to eat.

 

[David in Boston]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4phHwSSing

Sorry had to

My cat was sitting on my lap and jumped off once the video started.

 

[cim_can]

Now that I think about it, I will need to pick up some blades when I get over there. Can I assume most drug stores will carry at least a small selection?

As I can recall (this was before I started DE shaving), it might be a bit difficult to find DE blades. I don't recall seeing any in Migros (one of the larger supermarket/everything stores). I think your best bet might be in Besiktas (a neighborhood of the city on the European side with lots of stores and shopping areas - very Turkish and non-touristy, and sorta fun to walk around in) or Kadikoy, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. I bought an Arko shavestick for the first time at a small shop in Besiktas, it's possible they also had blades.

Although I don't know how widespread they are, I bought Arko shave cream in a supermarket called Kilicoglu.

 

[blantyre]

I don't think of anything shave related. The Galata Tower is worth the time as are the excellent markets and the fish sandwiches. If you don't smoke, this might be a good time to start.

 

[dullblade]

A few things I'd keep an eye out for, in order.

Tea
Silk
Leather
Jewelry

 

[moshulu]

I travel all over the place for my work, but this is absolutely one of the finest, most interesting cities on any continent. It would be impossible to list everything there is to see and do there. Please don't miss the Archeological Museum with its sarcophagi from Sidon - one of the wonders of the world. The Blue Mosque is truly magnificent, and it goes on and on.

The place is safe, the people are friendly, and the food can be excellent. Just watch out when you take a cab: these guys are crooks (its a tradition).

Many visitors buy rugs in Istanbul, and it's a good thing to do, but more for the selection than the prices (although they are not bad). I have bought some Seneh kilims from this man, and can vouch for him:

Omer Eyimen (his name)
Eymen Halicilik (the store)
107 Arasta Carasisi (just outside the Arasta Bazaar, near the Blue Mosque)
www.eymen.com.tr

For very good fish, go (walk) to the Kumkapi area (where all the restaurants look the same) and choose "CaPaRi" at 22 Capariz Sok.

Enjoy this fantatstic city!

 

[David in Boston]

...If you don't smoke, this might be a good time to start.