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A fire broke out at a transformer inside Istanbul's historic Grand Bazaar on Friday, sending thick smoke through parts of the covered market and causing panic among visitors and shopkeepers.
The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. local time (8:30 a.m. GMT) at the Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul's best-known historical landmarks and among the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Emergency crews were called to the scene after smoke began spreading through the bazaar. Firefighters were dispatched to the area, while the dense smoke made visibility difficult inside the market.
The fire, which started in a transformer, led to heavy smoke inside the Grand Bazaar. The situation caused concern among those inside the market, where thousands of people can be present during business hours.
Fire crews continued to respond to the blaze, according to the information provided. No details were shared about injuries, damage or whether the market was evacuated.
Located on Istanbul's historic peninsula near the Sultanahmet area, the Grand Bazaar is one of the city's most visited cultural and commercial sites. Built after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in the 15th century, it developed over time into a major center of trade.
The bazaar is known for its covered streets, arched shops and traditional Ottoman-style architecture. It includes around 4,000 shops and 61 streets, offering goods ranging from jewelry and textiles to carpets, antiques and spices.
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The Grand Bazaar's origins date back to 1461, shortly after Sultan Mehmed II's conquest of Istanbul. It began with the Cevahir Bedesteni, a covered market area used for valuable goods, and later expanded into a larger commercial complex.
During the reign of Sultan Suleiman I in the 16th century, the bazaar grew further with new inns, shops and streets. It was also damaged during the 1894 Istanbul earthquake and later repaired through restoration work.
Today, the Grand Bazaar remains both a functioning marketplace and a major cultural attraction for local and foreign visitors.
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