Malatya is a province in eastern Turkey renowned as the world's leading producer of apricots, set on a high plateau at the foot of the Taurus and Anti-Taurus mountains. The city combines a rich Assyrian, Hittite, and Ottoman heritage with the archaeological wonder of Arslantepe Mound — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and serves as a gateway to the dramatic Euphrates canyon at Karakaya Lake and Mount Nemrut.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Dried apricots (kuru kayısı)
Price: ₺100–₺250/kg (~$2.80–$7)
Where: Meyve Hali or bazaar
Kayısı pestili (apricot fruit leather)
Price: ₺50–₺150/250g (~$1.40–$4.20)
Where: Bazaar and supermarkets
Kayısı marmelatı (apricot jam)
Price: ₺40–₺100/jar (~$1.12–$2.80)
Where: Bazaar and supermarkets
Hand-hammered copper tray or coffee set
Price: ₺300–₺2,000 (~$8.40–$56)
Where: Bakırcılar Çarşısı
Kilim (woven rug)
Price: ₺500–₺5,000+ (~$14–$140+)
Where: Kapalı Çarşı textile shops
Tahin helvası (sesame-honey sweet)
Price: ₺80–₺200/500g (~$2.25–$5.60)
Where: Bazaar food stalls and supermarkets
Local spice mixes
Price: ₺30–₺100/bag (~$0.84–$2.80)
Where: Spice merchants in Kapalı Çarşı
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Malatya Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Covered Bazaar)
Dried apricots, copper handicrafts, spices, kilims, textiles
Where: Malatya City Centre
Hours: Monday–Saturday 09:00–19:00; Sunday reduced hours
Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Copper Craftsmen's Bazaar)
Hand-hammered copper trays, ewers, bowls, and coffee sets — a centuries-old Malatya craft
Where: Malatya City Centre Bazaar
Hours: Monday–Saturday 08:30–18:00
Meyve Hali (Wholesale Fruit and Produce Market)
Fresh and dried apricots direct from producers — best prices in the city; also seasonal vegetables
Where: Eastern Malatya near the highway
Hours: Daily 05:00–14:00 (closes early when stock sold)
Battalgazi Pazar (Weekly Wednesday Market)
Local produce, village handicrafts, clothing, household goods — a genuine local market
Where: Battalgazi, 12 km north of Malatya
Hours: Wednesday 08:00–17:00 only
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Çarşı / Bazaar District
Historic shopping streets around the Kapalı Çarşı; best for apricot products, copper, spices, and traditional textiles
İnönü Caddesi
Main commercial street with clothing shops, banks, and cafés
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Malatya Park AVM
Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00
Forum Malatya
Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
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Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
- Dried apricots may be taken home in luggage — check home-country import rules for quantity limits
- Copper items are hand-crafted and unique; ask the artisan about the piece
- VAT (KDV) at 18 % is included in all marked prices; some shops offer tax-free refunds on purchases over ₺2,000 (~$56) for non-EU/non-Turkish travellers — ask for a tax-free form (Global Blue)
- Most bazaar shops accept cash only; carry ₺ banknotes