Ankara boasts a rather large antique bazaar. It travels around the city and lands in my neighborhood, Asagi Ayranci, on the first Sunday of every month. I mentioned it briefly in an earlier post, “Junking,” where I claimed it’s “not that big.” Well, I am not sure if my perception has changed or the pazar has grown. But I can tell you that it was really enjoyable today.
I have been to the pazar many times, but today was the first time that I felt moved to take photos. (I wish I had pulled out a better camera instead of simply using the phone.) My photos aren’t great and aren’t many. But I have an excuse!
Today, rather than taking photos, I was drawn into it all. I checked out the LPs in case there was something my nephew Rob would like. I decided he would like a lot of them, so I moved on. Sorry Rob.
I checked out the old furniture, the sewing machines, and the record players. I flipped through the books. I tried out some of the old, heavy tools. I amused myself with old toys, instruments, and empty metal boxes.
Today, the antik pazari was just bangin’! It’s one of my favorite places in Ankara. My husband bought me a small gift, a piece of raw amethyst I had my eye on. And I found a great birthday gift for my sister Pat.
Patti has a big one coming up in October! I recently asked her if I could bring her anything from Turkey. Well, I expected her to say, “No. That’s okay. I’m just glad you are coming.” But she surprised me instead. She sent me a short list of suggestions! All were great, easy to carry, not tooooo pricey . . . but couldn’t be found at the pazar today. Hahahaha. I wonder is she can pick out her gift from these photos . . .
If you are going:
- 1st Sunday of every month
- Dikmen Cad. and Elçi Sok.
- Bring cash!
Actually there is a small organic food pazar every sunday in there.. 1st of every month organic and antik pazar are taking place together..just for information…
Yes, that is true. I am not impressed at all by the organic market though. But to be fair, before I write about it I want to visit in the morning. I usually am there in late afternoon. The vegetables I see there look just terrible.
I am moving to Ankara from Istanbul. I enjoyed your post very much!
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for reading the blog! I hope you will enjoy Ankara.
tanks evrybody
Hi, are you still in Ankara? And is the market still there?
I find wandering through old flea markets fascinating and am in Ankara for a while.
Thanks!
Hi Charlie and thanks for reading the blog! Sadly, I am not there. But I am told the pazar is still there!