One of the world’s most universal values is undoubtedly the love of books. If you are a book enthusiast, I highly recommend visiting the Üsküdar Second-Hand Book Bazaar when you come to Istanbul. Even though we live in a digital age, holding a book in your hands, smelling that nostalgic scent of old pages, and feeling a shared connection with the author is an unparalleled experience. Here, you can even find handwritten manuscripts. Touching these books is not just about understanding the author’s words but also about sharing the emotions they may have felt while writing them. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, but those who have experienced it will surely understand what I mean.
At Üsküdar’s Book Bazaar, you’ll discover not only Turkish and Ottoman books but also rare publications in various languages from different countries, including old magazines and historical journals. Each piece feels like a priceless treasure, truly deserving the term “one-of-a-kind,” as some of these handwritten manuscripts exist nowhere else in the world but here.
The Üsküdar Second-Hand Book Bazaar is located in Üsküdar Square, housed within the six chambers of a bathhouse built by Mimar Sinan between 1574 and 1583 for Sultan Murad III’s mother, Nurbanu Sultan. While this historic structure no longer serves as a bathhouse, it now caters to book lovers and offers a unique atmosphere steeped in history. Additionally, there is a quaint café where you can enjoy a traditional cup of Turkish coffee, making your visit even more delightful.
The bazaar hosts several second-hand bookstores, each offering unique treasures for book enthusiasts. These include Kırkambar Sahaf, Kalender Sahaf, Ekin Sahaf, Elvin Sahaf, and Osmanlıca Sahaf, where you can find a variety of books, from rare manuscripts to literary classics. Each shop adds its own charm to the historical ambiance of the Üsküdar Second-Hand Book Bazaar.
