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Istanbul's historic Grand Bazaar to take facelift

Xinhua, February 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and a main tourist attraction for this metropolis, is to undergo extensive restoration as early as April, the authorities announced on Monday.

The project is expected to take at least ten years and cost more than 40 million U.S. dollars, said Mustafa Demir, mayor of Fatih, a municipality and district in Istanbul where the bazaar stands.

"During the long restoration period, the shops will remain opened," the mayor told reporters, noting that the works will be done at nights to keep the businesses running.

The 550-year-old bazaar, which has 60 streets and more than 3,000 shops, is renowned for hand-made carpets, jewelry, fine china, spices and antiques, but appears on the verge of collapse due to wear and tear over time.

Demir called for foreign investment in the renovation, saying "We're expecting investors from all around the world to invest not only in Grand Bazaar but also other historical locations neighboring the bazaar in Fatih district."

More than 90 million people visit the Grand Bazaar each year, according to the mayor. "Our bazaar is the most visited place in the world," he said. Endit