Tokat is a historic city in northern central Turkey, set along the Yeşilırmak River and flanked by dramatic hillside cliffs. Known for its Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, traditional copperwork, and fertile valley landscapes, Tokat rewards travellers who venture beyond the usual tourist trail.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-hammered copper (bakır işleri)
Trays, coffee pots, candleholders, decorative bowls — made by craftsmen in Taş Han. The most iconic Tokat souvenir.
Tokat bezi (hand-woven fabric)
Traditional cotton textile unique to Tokat, used for headscarves, tablecloths, and wall hangings.
Tokat pekmezi (grape molasses)
Dark, intensely sweet grape reduction; eaten on bread with tahini or used in cooking. Available in glass jars.
Nohut helvası (packaged)
Chickpea semolina sweet, a local speciality; available in confectionery shops vacuum-sealed for travel.
Local honey (bala)
Wildflower honey from highland beekeepers around Tokat Province.
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Tuesday Market (Salı Pazarı)
Where: Pazar district
Hours: Tuesday 07:00–14:00
Kapalı Çarşı Daily Market
Where: City centre
Hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–19:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Taş Han / Old Bazaar Quarter
Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
Cumhuriyet Caddesi
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected and acceptable in the bazaar and at Taş Han copper workshops.
Begin negotiations at 60–70% of the initial asking price and negotiate politely upward.
Saying 'çok pahalı' (very expensive) politely is a standard opening to negotiation.
Fixed-price shops (Cumhuriyet Caddesi modern stores, supermarkets) do not negotiate.
Buying multiple items from the same craftsman often yields a group discount.
Always check a copper item's weight before buying — solid copper is noticeably heavier than plated items.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
- Custom
- Tea while shopping
- Description
- Craftsmen in Taş Han regularly offer çay while visitors browse. Accepting is polite and often leads to better conversation and prices.
- Custom
- Bargaining etiquette
- Description
- Keep negotiations friendly and light. Walking away is a valid negotiating tactic. Never bargain aggressively or raise your voice.