Hundreds of years ago, Istanbul was the last stop on the notorious Silk Route. Today, bazaars, street markets and arastas are commonplace. Shopping is a ritual in Turkey. And haggling is a large part of that ritual.

Some of the most popular items which visitors buy while in Turkey include copperware, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods and, of course, the coveted Turkish carpets and kilims.

Depending on the materials used and the tightness of the weave, carpets can range anywhere from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars in price. Silk carpets are the most expensive, with often ornate Oriental designs and a vibrant range of colors. Kilims, which are flat woven rugs without any pile, are extremely popular because of their traditional Turkish design, deep colors and affordable prices. Before setting forth on a rug purchase, however, it's best to do some homework on what to look for in a quality carpet before making any major purchase.

Turkish ceramic, much like the famous Iznik tiles that adorn the country's many fabulously decorative mosques, also attract shoppers who seek traditional items. Handmade tiles, trivets, plates, cups and bowls are widely available, with colorful designs that have been replicated from 17th and 18th century works. Excellent values can be found throughout Turkey on ceramic goods, but in the town of Avanos, in the Cappadocia region, one can take advantage of both value and a wide-range of designs and colors in pottery made from the nearby Red River.

It is for sure that you can find the pleasure of shopping in Kapali Çarsi (Covered Bazaar, Istanbul). Again in Istanbul the Misir Çarsisi or Spice Bazaar welcomes you with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, safran, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice.