Having hosted empires across the centuries, lying both over Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest metropolises. The city bears the glorious traces of its long and colorful history, while the sightseeing from seven hills impresses all the visitors. 

The main touristic landmarks of the city are; Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Süleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, as well as Spice and Grand Bazaars, to name the few. 

It is also a breathtaking experience to visit the religious places in the city that has been hosting different ethnic and religious communities since centuries, which brings a cultural richness when exploring the Jewish or Christian heritages in historic synagogues and churches. 

The famous street cats of Istanbul are another “brand new” item in the touristic “check-lists” especially for those taking photography tours. 

All these touristic attractions are located near the old city quarter of Sultanahmet, which is another tourist hotspot, full of touristic restaurants, antique shops and boutique hotels. Private tour options give the visitors the exciting opportunity to discover the city from different angles.

Beyond this well-known face of the city, Istanbul is a real paradise for antique-lovers because antique shops of the city attract an increased number of foreign investors as a niche sector full of potential. But you have to know where to look for a smart investment.  

These shops are mainly located in the Grand Bazaar area and Cukurcuma district close to Taksim –usually called the “SoHo of Istanbul”. Antique carpets, Ottoman miniatures, Ottoman-inspired jewelry and kaftans, portrait paintings, hand-painted ceramics and porcelains, pashminas, Turkish coffee sets, as well as antique maps of Byzantium and Ottoman periods are the most demanded ones. 

These stores are often referred in antique catalogues published throughout Europe, and especially Cukurcuma district is becoming a well-known place for antique devotees touring around, and the clientele is not only those with deep pockets. 

Buying properties in such neighborhood for the purposes of leasing out to antique shops or opening its newish and sophisticated store would be a smart step to appeal antique-enthusiasts who are hunting for these items. 

If you ever visit Istanbul, make sure to pay a visit to Grand Bazaar and Cukurcuma district to reveal this wonderful and hidden face of the modern Istanbul.