Grand Bazaar occupation fee crisis escalate as shopkeepers begin protests

Shopkeepers in Istanbul’s iconic Grand Bazaar have initiated protests in response to recent hikes in occupation fees.

The new fee structure, ranging from ₺8,000 ($234) to ₺15,000 ($438) per square meter, has sparked outrage, leading merchants to turn off their shop lights at noon every day as a demonstration.

Grand Bazaar’s sharp fee increases ignite protests

The Fatih Municipality raised occupation fees in the Grand Bazaar from ₺900 ($26) per square meter to between ₺8,000 ($234) and ₺15,000 ($438), depending on the shop’s location.

This sharp increase has left shopkeepers feeling burdened and ignored by local authorities.

In protest, Grand Bazaar merchants have begun switching off their lights daily at noon, signaling their dissatisfaction with the high costs.

The shopkeepers are calling for the fee structure to be revised, citing that the current rates are unsustainable for small businesses in the historic market.

Unfair comparison with Spice Bazaar

Merchants argue the fees imposed on them are significantly higher than those in other markets. At the Spice Bazaar, occupation fees range from ₺700 ($20) to ₺900 ($26) Turkish lira per square meter, while at the Grand Bazaar, shopkeepers face demands of up to ₺15,000 ($438).

One merchant, speaking on the local program The Pulse of the Grand Bazaar, highlighted that some shopkeepers are now paying up to ₺75,000 ($2200) per month, a figure they believe is unjust.

“We’re not against the fee increase, but the amount requested is simply too high,” they stated.

Earlier attempts at negotiation fail

Despite the protests, efforts by shopkeepers to negotiate with the Fatih Municipality have been unsuccessful.

“We explained the situation to the municipality, but unfortunately, they didn’t take us into consideration,” added another shopkeeper.

Last month, the Fatih Municipality’s Municipal Police Department began a crackdown on illegal expansions and unregistered shops in the Grand Bazaar.

Merchants were warned to stay within designated boundaries, and those without proper occupation permits were identified.

The protests continue as shopkeepers hope for a compromise that will allow them to sustain their businesses while keeping this vital historical market alive.

The recent fee hikes in the Grand Bazaar are placing immense pressure on shopkeepers. The ongoing protests, coupled with failed negotiations, signal that a resolution may still be far off.

The situation calls for an immediate dialogue between the municipality and merchants to prevent further disruption in one of Türkiye’s most important cultural and economic landmarks.