Tourists experience Ottoman spirit in Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar

In Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, the historic Turkish Bazaar, housing some of the most significant Ottoman architectural treasures, is the first destination for Turkish tourists visiting the country.

The Turkish Bazaar, built during the Ottoman era, features narrow streets leading to historical sites such as mosques, inns, baths and fountains.

It also attracts attention with its shops specializing in crafts such as jewelry and carpet weaving.

Known also as the “Old Skopje Bazaar,” the Turkish Bazaar stands out as a special place where Turkish tourists often feel “at home” while enjoying the unique flavors of traditional cuisine.

Hasan Arslan, a Turkish visitor, shared with Anadolu Agency (AA) reporters: “Skopje excited us. It’s truly a beautiful and historic city. The presence of Ottoman traces made us even happier.”

He added that one day is not enough to explore the capital and urged those interested in seeing Ottoman heritage to visit Skopje.

Another Turkish tourist, Pinar Demirtas, noted that she found her ancestors in Skopje, stating, “I felt like I was at home away from my homeland. I was very moved. It’s beautifully preserved.”

She expressed her joy at hearing the call to prayer and seeing traces of her ancestors.

Metin Duyar also mentioned that he felt like he was in Turkey while in Skopje, appreciating the helpful and sharing nature of the people, saying: “We walked around as if we were in our own neighborhood.”

Ottoman heritage in Skopje’s Turkish Bazaar

The historic Turkish Bazaar in Skopje gained fame in the 16th and 17th centuries and is renowned for its cobbled streets and Ottoman heritage, including the Sultan Murad Mosque, Kursunlu Inn and Davut Pasha Bath.

Turkish tourists frequently visit local restaurants in the bazaar offering traditional Macedonian dishes, with meatballs served with beans topping the list of must-try delicacies in Skopje.

The Stone Bridge, connecting both sides of the Vardar River that flows through the city, is one of the most iconic Ottoman structures in Skopje.

Known as the “Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge,” it is a 220-meter-long, 6-meter-wide bridge with 12 arches that has sustained damage from various wars and earthquakes over the years.