Reviews from

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

An insight into the operation of the Bazaar

13 total reviews 
Comment from lyenochka
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Thanks for sharing this delightful travel post. I am glad you learned how to negotiate with the merchants in Istanbul. I remember some "shuks" in Israel. The whole negotiations and large crowds are things I'd avoid but glad you could make the most of it! Congratulations on the win!

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 03-Oct-2022
    Thank you so much for your review and kind comments. I appreciate them.
Comment from Tpa
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Congratulations on the contest. The story was interesting and informative.
Like some merchants, they have shady practices, hence the slogan: Buyers Beware. Excellent job.

 Comment Written 09-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 18-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your comments and review. I appreciate them.
Comment from Gunner Lil
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Love the sensory descriptions in your essay. An easy read with a nice flow and pace. Like the bartering for a good deal for both the buyer and seller.
Thank you.

 Comment Written 09-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 18-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your comments and review. I appreciate them.
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
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Congratulations on your win, Thesis. You described that unique
place well. I enjoyed reading it but would never go there. It would
be too dangerous--esp for women. I liked what you said about the
vendor accepting y our price, though you probably overpaid for it.
Thanks for sharing, Jan

 Comment Written 09-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 18-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your comments and review. I appreciate them.
Comment from Bill Schott
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This essay, Grand Bazaar Istanbul, is a neat mini-tour of the famous atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. Having haggled around the world, the negotiation process is entertaining, especially if you think you came out ahead.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 18-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your comments and review. I appreciate them.
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
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Excellent entry for the Sense of Place Short Story writing prompt Contest. You grasped the short story form well. Nice picture of the bazaars that complimentsthe story. Your descriptive words flow well expressing clear mental imagery of Istanbul and markets. It sounds like bartering is fun. I would love to visit.

Good luck in the contest.

Gypsy
"The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." - Atticus


 Comment Written 07-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 18-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your comments and review. I appreciate them.
Comment from Susan Newell
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I found this story fascinating, and as you indicate in your opening -- timeless, and perhaps universal in the lesser developed world. You did an excellent job of recreating the ambience with words. I have seen the same in Peru and Mexico. I'm always a little put off with the use of "they" to represent an individual, though I know it is common usage. I think you could do just as well by using a male merchant (he) and female customer (she).

Sue

looks hurt and slightly offended and discussed the item's attributes, countering with a slightly lower price. ==> discusses

 Comment Written 07-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 07-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your kind words and suggestions.
reply by Susan Newell on 07-Sep-2022
    You are most welcome. You also got my vote.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
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Maybe just maybe the Bazaar is the training center for used car salesmen. Have you ever left a lot with keys in hand not thinking I could have gotten it for less/ ...................

 Comment Written 07-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 07-Sep-2022
    LOL, Good point. Thanks for the analogy.
Comment from LisaMay
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Your story brought back some wonderful memories for me. I share your love of Turkey and its people. You've described the Grand Bazaar really well. I think the haggling process is quite daunting, but once I entered into the spirit of it I certainly enjoyed 'the game' and the hospitality was always delightful. Istanbul would have to be one of the most interesting cities in the world.

I haven't lived in Turkey but I spent several weeks travelling by motorbike through the country, and here in New Zealand I have Turkish friends.

 Comment Written 06-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 18-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your comments and review. I appreciate them.
Comment from K. Lang-Slattery
Good
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This essay about the Bazaar in Istanbul is well written and I like the way you have described so fully the bartering process. What I am missing is some more colorful details, and a hint of the smells and the energy in the market. A personal more personal point of view (first person, or even first person present) would really make the description come alive. I was enchanted by the venders who sweep through the market selling goods without a license.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 05-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 18-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your comments and review. I appreciate them.