Turkish shopkeepers stand in their Aladdin's cave of mystery in one of the oldest covered markets in the world.
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar hosts more than 3,000 stores and these pictures show just why more than 250,000 people visit every day.
Despite an increase in new modern shopping malls, the beauty and tradition of the Grand Bazaar continues to be a big lure.
You could spend hours in Hasan Ayazgok's shop in the Grand Bazaar checking out all the traditional Turkish fare
The smartly-dressed Ahmet Tan sells traditional pipes and musical instruments at his packed-out store at the market
If it's cashmere, silk and pashminas you are after Burak Erdogan's store is a vital stop-off
In 2014 it was listed as the world's most visited tourist attraction, beating the 91.25m visitors who traipsed the colourful stores the previous year.
The 15th century market is famous for its hand-painted ceramics, lanterns, intricately patterned carpets and Byzantine-style jewelry.
There is a labyrinth of arcades and passageways, where it is easy to lose your sense of direction.
The market heaves with shoppers for Turkish carpets and kilims, jewellery, backgammon boards, trinkets, leather goods and mother of pearl inlaid boxes.
Murat Hashas will be hoping for lots of custom at his store selling handmade cottons and headscarves
Ekrem Turkmen poses in his store, which sells Ottoman Traditional clothing. Up to 250,000 people will pass by here every day
Kenan Kalmaz's stop-off is a good one if you want to buy something to keep yourself warm
Timur Yildirim sells a classic collection of goods inside his stop on the Istanbul Grand Bazaar
The website set up to promote the market describes it as 'one of the world’s most exciting shopping experiences'.
Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like.
The bazaar has been an important trading centre since 1461 and its labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
Dogan Mert's shop sells artistic lamps and lanterns with traditional Turkish design
You'd have to watch your step while browsing Huseyin Erdogan's shop of ceramics and plates
Murat Demirci sells a varied collection of traditional Turkish fare at his stall on the popular Istanbul market
Yasin Kizilkaya shop sells traditional rugs and fabrics - and is one of many places where visitors can brush up their haggling skills
The complex houses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams and several cafés and restaurants.
In the centre is the high domed hall of the Cevahir Bedesten, where the most valuable items and antiques were to be found in the past, and still are today, including furniture, copperware, amber prayer beads, inlaid weapons, icons, mother-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and silver and gold jewellery set with coral and turquoise.
The market is open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 7pm and is closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Taner Erguder's shop of Sufi and traditional paintings will catch the eye of those with an artistic bent
Mehmet Onlu sells silver jewellery inside the Istanbul Grand Bazaar and provides a service with a smile
Hasan Ramo poses for a photograph at his store, selling traditional sweets and Turkish delights
Adem Sad'c poses for a photograph at his store selling traditional rugs and fabrics
Ismail Genis poses for a photograph inside his store, which sells traditional ceramics and handmade tiles
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