11/50.- Istanbul, Cafe Mesale Restaurant in the Arasta Bazaar

In the outer courtyard of the mosque, the former royal pavilion houses today a collection of ancient rugs from Anatolia and some unique pieces of a private collection from Hapsburg Transylvania: it is the Kilim and Carpet Museum.

Outside the pavilion the stairs will take us to the terraced area known as Arasta Bazaar (shown in the photo) an enjoyable 17c. market lined with carpet and ceramics shops. Arasta in Ottoman times was the name given to a covered market associated with a mosque.

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