The historic covered market, or Bedesten, sits at the heart of Afyonkarahisar's old quarter, a maze of narrow lanes lined with timber-framed Ottoman mansions climbing the slopes below the castle. The district is one of the best-preserved old towns of inland Anatolia.
The Bedesten and Old Ottoman Houses district forms the historic heart of Afyonkarahisar, extending across the slopes below the castle rock in the city centre. The Bedesten itself is a traditional covered market building — a rectangular stone structure with vaulted bays — that historically housed precious goods such as cloth, spices and metalwork sold by wholesale merchants. It remains a working commercial space today, with small shops occupying its vaulted bays. The lanes surrounding the Bedesten spread uphill through one of the best-preserved old-town quarters of inland Anatolia. The streets here are lined with timber-framed Ottoman mansions, typically two to three storeys high, with projecting upper floors, ornate carved wooden eaves and decorative window frames. Many of these houses date from the 18th and 19th centuries and retain their original structural fabric, with walled courtyards and domestic outbuildings. The streets themselves are narrow, cobbled and winding, making the district most rewarding on foot. Several houses have been converted to small restaurants, tea houses and craft shops. The bazaar lanes extending from the Bedesten include specialist traders in dried goods, spices and local produce. Afyonkarahisar is particularly known for its kaymak (thick clotted cream), sucuk (dried sausage) and lokum (Turkish delight), all available in the market area. Exploring the district at a leisurely pace takes 1 to 2 hours.
Good to know
- Hours
- Bedesten shops generally Mon-Sat daytime; streets always accessible
- Best time
- Daytime, when the market and shops are open
Location
Bedesten Çarşısı, Afyonkarahisar Merkez, Turkey
38.7554, 30.5367 View on map
Highlights
- Vaulted stone Bedesten — Afyonkarahisar's historic covered wholesale market
- 18th–19th century Ottoman timber mansions with projecting upper floors and carved wooden eaves
- One of the best-preserved old-town quarters in inland Anatolia
- Active local market lanes with spice merchants, kaymak sellers and lokum shops
Tips for visiting
- Weekday mornings are the best time when the Bedesten shops and market stalls are most active
- The district is most rewarding on foot — park in the city centre and explore the lanes on a walking circuit
- Pick up local specialities — Afyon kaymak, sucuk and lokum — from the market lanes near the Bedesten
- The streets are uneven cobblestone; comfortable, flat footwear is advisable
When to visit
Weekday mornings when the Bedesten and market stalls are most active. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking the hilly lanes.
Accessibility
The district streets are cobbled and uneven with steep sections on the hillside lanes. The Bedesten interior is at ground level but access may involve low thresholds. Wheelchair navigation of the historic quarter is difficult on the more sloped and narrower lanes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to explore the district?
A leisurely walking tour of the Bedesten and the main Ottoman house streets takes 1 to 2 hours.
Is the Bedesten still a functioning market?
Yes, the Bedesten remains a working commercial space with small shops in its vaulted bays, most active on weekday mornings.
What are the best local purchases in the market?
Afyonkarahisar kaymak (thick clotted cream), sucuk (dried beef sausage) and the region's varieties of lokum (Turkish delight) are the most distinctive local products.