Used-Book Bazaar

Sahaflar Bazaar, Beyazıt Sahaflar Bazaar or Istanbul Sahaflar Bazaar, a historic market in Fatih where old and new books are sold. Because of its proximity to Beyazıt Mosque, Istanbul University, the Grand Bazaar and the Beyazıt State Library, it was once a cultural hub. Although over time the priorities and qualities of the booksellers and the books sold have changed, it remains one of Fatih's popular places.

History

In the Ottoman Empire, bookselling developed around major mosques. This was a result of the mosque-centered commercial and social life. The Sahaflar Bazaar was originally not at its present location but inside the Grand Bazaar. According to the information conveyed by Evliya Çelebi, the old booksellers' market inside the Grand Bazaar consisted of about 50 shops. About 300 people worked in these shops. Hammer noted that these shops were scattered within the market. At that time, various rare works with miniatures, manuscripts, and books on religion, philosophy and logic were sold here.

The settlement of booksellers in Hakkaklar Bazaar continued until the 1910s. The booksellers in the Grand Bazaar and the dealers in Hakkaklar Bazaar gradually changed places. Over time the current location became known as the Sahaflar Bazaar. In 1950 it suffered a major fire. The municipality rebuilt the area with reinforced concrete. After 1952 the municipality wanted only books to be sold there. Hakkı Tarık Us was influential in this matter.

The market has two gates. One is located right at the foot of the Beyazıt Mosque while the other opens onto the road leading to the Grand Bazaar. In 1981 the municipality placed a bust of Ibrahim Müteferrika, the first Turkish printer, here. In the exact centre of the market a tombstone belonging to Sahaf Kırımlı Hasan Efendi, brought from the cemetery of the Çoban Çavuş Mosque in Laleli, was placed at the foot of a tree. The market also has fountains in the form of a sebil. In general it has lost its former cultural function. Its proximity to Istanbul University has increased student interest here. However, after the transformation of the Turkish education system, the booksellers here have lost their bibliographic characteristics. Predominantly university preparatory books, books and sets for foreign language education are noticeable.

Hüseyin Avni Dede, who lives under the plane tree at the entrance of the market and sells various works, is the well‑known symbol of the square.

Impact

Ali Emîrî Efendi, after finding by chance the only copy of the Divânü Lugati't‑Türk mentioned in the catalogue at the Booksellers’ Market, purchased it after paying 30 lira and a small profit to the bookseller. The market was also a meeting point for Turkish novelists. Ahmed Hamdi Tanpınar, who taught at the Faculty of Letters of Istanbul University, used it as a setting in his novel Huzur with the character Mümtaz. The Turkish bibliographer Seyfettin Özege (1901‑1981) also added books he acquired there to his collection.