The Grand Bazaar: Istanbul

New York: Assouline, 2011 Elephant folio. First edition. Publisher's pale green cloth, lettered in gilt to front board and spine, bright yellow endpapers, illustrated with numerous color photos by Laziz Hamani; in the publisher's pictorial paper slipcase. A very good copy, some light soiling to boards and sunning to spine, else very clean and bright; in a very good slipcase with wear to extremities. Overall, a beautiful copy of this copiously illustrated non-fiction text. Published to commemorate the 550th anniversary of the opening of the Turkish Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, this book contains photographs and text that illustrate the rich history of the market and its vendors. The Grand Bazaar, opened in 1461, was originally intended to encourage trade in what was then Constantinople, under the newly established reign of the Ottoman Empire. Textile traders set up stalls in the covered Byzantine structure, and the building was a hub for locals and visitors alike. Over time, the market grew to include vendors of jewelry, shoes, books, and a multitude of other goods, and continues to thrive as a historical landmark in the city of Istanbul, home to thousands of vendors. Heavy item - may incur additional shipping charges.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good. Illus. by Hamani, Laziz.