Sirince, Turkey: What Would YOU Buy at This Turkish Arts Market?

During my travels in Turkey this year, I fell in love with the country’s rainbow-vibrant markets. Walk with me now as we explore the beautiful outdoor shopping street in Sirince, Turkey, which is just a few minutes from the famed ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey, near the west coast of the country.

Sirince itself is a delightfully picturesque hillside town that brings to mind lush green villages in Italy. The town was first settled in the 15th century, and to scare away hostile visitors, the freed Greek slaves who lived there called the place “Cirkince,” meaning “ugly” in Turkish!

I do wonder if the name trick worked to keep the town’s privacy. In 1926, however, the village was renamed “Sirince,” which means “pleasant,” at the governor’s urging. Now that is a much more fitting name for such a perfect spot!

Any visitor to Sirince would do well to spend at least an hour in the town’s winding streets of market stalls. From gourmet food to home decor, you’re guaranteed to find some treat to suit your fancy.

I managed to only spent $5 during the two glorious hours I wandered the market (purchasing one Turkish coffee and one handmade glass necklace), but that’s only because I have a passionate commitment to saving money for more travel by buying fewer souvenirs. If shopping is your thing, Sirince is your place!

If I were to break my rule and break the bank at the market, I can tell you what I would have bought, and perhaps you would have guessed the answer from the number of photos I took of them: Those awesome colored glass lamps!

I was wondering why I felt so peaceful and happy during our afternoon at the Sirince market, and then I learned: Sirince is known worldwide as a “Positive Energy” hub, since it is close to what many believe is the final home of the Virgin Mary. In 2012, thousands of New Age tourists huddled in Sirince to avoid perishing in the supposed Mayan Apocalypse!

As the apocalypse didn’t come, the jury is still out on whether Sirince’s powers could have saved the visitors, but one thing is sure: You do feel happy and content when frolicking around such an enjoyable town! Let’s see some more colorful photos from Sirince.

Now it’s your turn! Which of these exciting items would you have bought? Do share!

Want to see more astounding markets and crafts around the world? Click for a fresh food market in Quebec City, the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, global drawing prompts, and glass art in different countries!