Aynali Bazaar

Aynalı Bazaar, one of the cultural icons of Çanakkale, stands out as a historical market with over 130 years of history, celebrated in folk songs and preserving the city’s historical texture.

Reflecting traces of the Gallipoli Campaign and inspiring folk songs that exalt the heroism displayed in the battle, Aynalı Bazaar remains open to visitors, offering an authentic shopping experience. Hosting nearly 60 shops, the bazaar offers a variety of products, including souvenirs, clothing, home textiles, and figures commemorating the Gallipoli Campaign.

History of Aynalı Bazaar

Aynalı Bazaar was commissioned during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II by Eliyau Hallio, a Jewish Ottoman merchant, who modeled it after Istanbul's Spice Bazaar. From its inception, it served as one of Çanakkale’s key commercial centers. During the Gallipoli Campaign, the bazaar was hit by artillery shells and later repurposed as a stable.

After the establishment of the Republic, it briefly functioned as a fruit and vegetable market before gradually regaining its original identity. A comprehensive restoration in 2014 returned the bazaar to its role as a marketplace. The mirrors, which were added post-war, emphasize its name, "Aynalı" (meaning "mirrored").

Aynalı Bazaar’s Opening Hours

Aynalı Bazaar is open every day from 09:00 to 20:00. It is a popular stop for both domestic and international tourists visiting Çanakkale and provides regular service throughout the year, typically accessible from early morning until late evening. The bazaar is especially busy in the summer, offering visitors a blend of shopping and historical exploration.

What to Buy at Aynalı Bazaar

Aynalı Bazaar offers visitors a wide array of shopping options. Some of the items available include:

🎁 Souvenirs: Magnets, keychains, and small figurines representing symbols of Çanakkale and the Gallipoli Campaign.

🛍️ Clothing and Textiles: Various clothing items, home textiles, and handcrafted accessories.

🏺 Historical Figures and Battle Models: Miniature battle models, soldier figurines, and special collection items related to the Gallipoli Campaign.

📿 Authentic Jewelry and Handicrafts: Regional jewelry, beaded accessories, and handicrafts unique to Çanakkale.

🍯 Local Products: Famous Çanakkale olive oils, cheeses, and other regional products.

The Folk Song "Çanakkale Türküsü" and Its Story

The folk song "Çanakkale Türküsü" reflects the sorrows, heroism, and emotional impact of the Gallipoli Campaign. Its lyrics recount the hardships of the war and the journey of young soldiers to the front lines. Beginning with the lines, "Inside Çanakkale is Aynalı Bazaar; Mother, I’m going against the enemy," the song conveys the dramatic atmosphere of the war.

There are various theories about the song’s origins. Some sources claim it originated in the Kastamonu region and was compiled by İhsan Ozanoğlu and recorded by Muzaffer Sarısözen. The earliest recording was made by Marika Papagika in 1923. Other sources suggest that the song's lyrics were inspired by a letter Seyfullah Nutku wrote to his mother in 1914. Known and sung across Turkey, "Çanakkale Türküsü" plays a vital role in keeping the memory of the Gallipoli Campaign alive.

Architecture and Structural Features of Aynalı Bazaar

Reflecting Ottoman-era architecture, Aynalı Bazaar comprises nearly 60 shops and was designed as a replica of the Spice Bazaar. The mirrors at the entrance and inside the building add a unique ambiance. Damaged during the Gallipoli Campaign, the bazaar was restored and retains its historical essence, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

Aynalı Bazaar is not just a shopping venue but also a symbol reflecting the cultural and historical heritage of Çanakkale. This structure, a witness to the Gallipoli Campaign, preserves the spirit of that era and serves as an essential site for transmitting Çanakkale’s historical values to future generations. It is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, holding a permanent place in cultural memory through the folk song "Çanakkale Türküsü."

Aynalı Bazaar, a place of historical significance often mentioned in folk songs and legends, is a unique part of Çanakkale’s cultural landscape. Shopping here is not just about purchasing souvenirs; it is also about creating unforgettable memories in a place that bears the traces of history.