Coppersmith Bazaar: Continuing Ottoman Craftsmanship
Coppersmith Bazaar in Gaziantep is a historic market that dates back to the 19th century. Coppersmithing in the region has thrived for over 500 years. This bazaar complex preserves copper shaping traditions handed down through generations.
Highlights of the Coppersmith Bazaar
Artisan Craftsmanship & Copper Souvenirs
Coppersmith Bazaar is not a modern market but a place for workshops in active production. Master craftsmen sit outside their shops and shape sheets of red copper and brass into functional pieces using chisels and wooden mallets.
- Handmade Treasures: Browse hand engraved Turkish coffee pots, spice grinders, serving platters and traditional bath bowls.
- Custom Engraving: Many artisans will engrave your name or personal motifs into copper items while you wait.
Historic Architecture & Neighboring Bazaars
The bazaar is constructed with black and white local stone that helps keep the market cool during summer months. The Coppersmith Bazaar connects with other historic marketplaces:
- Almaci Bazaar: A spice market filled with dried eggplant garlands, red pepper flakes, pomegranate molasses and fresh pistachios.
- Zincirli Bedesten: An 18th century covered market housing traditional textile shops and handicraft stalls.
Artisans hammer detailed botanical and geometric patterns into copper and brass using traditional chisels.
Historic Teahouses & Terebinth Coffee
While you’re visiting the market, we recommend taking a break at Tarihi Tahmis Kahvesi. This coffee shop was built in 1635 and is walking distance from the copper workshops. Visitors can enjoy the Terebinth Coffee alongside nuts that will help digest the heavy early morning breakfast popular in the region. Menengic or Terebinth Coffee is caffeine free hot beverage brewed from roasted wild terebinth pistachios and milk, served in traditional copper cups.
Location & Travel Guide
The Coppersmith Bazaar is located at the foot of the historic Gaziantep Castle in the center of the old town.
Practical Travel Tips:
- Navigating the Market: The bazaar is completely pedestrianized and best explored on foot. Combine your visit with neighboring spice markets and nearby baklava shops.
- Best Time to Visit: Visit during the morning or early afternoon when workshops are actively producing goods.
- Purchasing Tips: Copper cookware intended for food preparation should be lined with tin on the inside. Artisans inside the bazaar perform traditional tinning right before your eyes.
These traditional hand made copper cups are used to 'cook' Turkish coffee.
