From bazaar to shopping center in Instanbul

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The exchange of commodities is a fundamental economic activity for community members. Throughout human evolution, exchange methods have evolved from bartering among hunters and gatherers to sophisticated systems involving money and modern shopping centers in industrialized societies. This publication explores Istanbul's long history as a merchandising hub, beginning with traditional Oriental bazaars. The city's commercial development saw two waves of innovation: the first in the 19th century with department stores and shopping arcades, followed by the emergence of modern shopping centers since 1988. Each retail agglomeration introduced competition, highlighting the contemporary issue of globalization and the tension between old and new structures. The Turkish term for shopping center encompasses various types that have emerged since 1988, including American-style malls with pedestrian walkways, large hypermarkets like Migros and Carrefour, and specialized centers such as Media Markt and Ikea. The transition from bazaars to shopping centers represents a significant economic and social phenomenon. While many historical buildings and covered bazaar streets remain in Istanbul, their original functions—production, selling, and financial transactions—have shifted to modern banks and skyscrapers in the city's commercial centers.