Kızlarağası Inn is an Ottoman-era bedesten in İzmir’s Kemeraltı area, built in 1744 and now filled with shops, workshops and cafés. Its stone corridors and central courtyard make the building part of the visit, not just a place to shop. Browse for handmade crafts, jewelry, antiques and souvenirs, then stop for Turkish coffee or tea. Upstairs, a café looks out over the courtyard and Hisar Mosque; workshops there let you see craftspeople at work.
An Ottoman trading inn
Kızlarağası Inn was built in 1744 by Hacı Beşir Ağa. The restored bedesten was once an important centre of trade in İzmir. Its scale and architecture distinguish it among the city’s Ottoman inns.
The building stands close to Hisar Mosque, built in 1598. Inside, stone corridors lead through the market and around its central courtyard. The structure itself is a reason to pause between shops, with architectural details visible as you move through the inn.
Shops, workshops and cafés
The ground floor has a range of small shops, including sellers of jewelry, antiques, crafts and souvenirs. Upstairs, workshops give you a chance to watch artisans at work; some sell their handmade pieces directly.
Cafés and eateries are spread through the inn. An upstairs café looks over the central court and Hisar Mosque, while other cafés provide a place to sit with Turkish coffee or tea. The inn is a market rather than a museum, so plan your visit around browsing, refreshments and the building’s architecture.
Perguntas frequentes
What can you buy at Kızlarağası Inn?
Shops sell handmade crafts, jewelry, antiques and souvenirs. Upstairs workshops also make and sell handcrafted items.
Can you see artisans at work?
Yes. Workshops upstairs let you watch craftspeople making items, and you can buy directly from some of them.
Is there a café at Kızlarağası Inn?
Yes. The inn has cafés serving Turkish coffee and tea. An upstairs café overlooks the central courtyard and Hisar Mosque.
Should I bring cash?
Bring coins, since some businesses inside the inn may not accept card payments.
