Visiting the Old Bazaar is a unique experience. The best way in is on foot by crossing over the iconic Stone Bridge. There you enter the old town of Skopje, with cobblestone streets, curving foot paths, and a multitude of narrow “hole in the wall” shops. On this side of the Vardar you quickly realize you have entered the world of artisans. Many of the products on offer are uniquely created by their skillful hands. Every little street opens up a different exotic world. It is a place in which time disappears, where east meets west, where the 19th century meets the 21st.
The Skopje Bazaar is the largest in the Balkans outside of Istanbul. It was already a major trading center as early as the 12th century, but the Bazaar reached its greatest prominence following the Ottoman conquest at the end of the 14th century. It seems like you can buy anything at the old bazaar. In addition to everyday household goods, many traditional crafts and specialized products can be found.
The Old Bazaar is most famous for its well-known Goldsmith Street. Shops line both sides, offering fine gold and silver for sale. You can find all sorts of jewelry, including earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and the world famous butterfly brooch. Many of the designs are completely unique and intricately worked into unusual shapes and styles. One of the very special things to discover here is the ancient art of silver filigree, which has been preserved and perfected in Macedonia over the course of many centuries. Shops are filled with filigree jewelry, especially brooches, and personal articles such as purses and boxes. Macedonian filigree is prized the world over.
People looking for native folk crafts will notice the hanging leather shoes, called opinci, which are popular in Macedonia. Handmade from the hide of cow, ox, or pig, these shoes gather around the foot. This traditional footwear has all but disappeared from the streets of modern Skopje, but can still be seen in outlying and more rural areas. As souvenirs, they are just as practical decorating your wall as they are fashioning your feet.
Macedonian rugs are colorful and their exotic designs hold special meanings. Each area has its own special designs and motifs that identify the place of origin. Some designs are thought to ward off evil. On wedding days, the bride and groom traditionally move about only on horseback, with a special rug draped over the packsaddle for protection against evil forces. Also, floor rugs were presented to newlyweds to protect their new home from evil spirits rising from below.
A more controversial, perhaps, yet still traditional art may be found in the leather and furrier shops. Traditional Macedonian dress includes fur hats for winter, as well as fur trim on traditional clothes. By the 16th century leather was a major Skopje area export product. In the 17th century there were over 700 leather workshops in the city and their goods were shipped all around the world. Today you can still find beautiful leather and fur products made by the crafty hands of the artisans, including jackets, vests and hats.
The Old Bazaar is rich in landmarks. The covered market, Bezisten, is at the center of the bazaar. Its name derives from a combination of the Persian word bezz, meaning textile, and the Arab word sten, which means selling point. It was originally dedicated to the sale of textiles only. Mosques, baths, and commercial buildings dot the area, reflecting the development and expansion of the bazaar through the centuries. Three Turkish inns, or caravanserai, testify to the size and importance of the location as a trading center.
There are also many restaurants and food stands offering traditional fare. Shops offer fresh baked bread, pastries, grilled meats, vegetables, fruits and sweets – something for every appetite. Be sure to enjoy a traditional Turkish tea or orolet, a warm sour/sweet drink with the flavor of orange.
The Old Bazaar is a delightful place to discover a world where centuries are fused together. With just a little bit of effort, you can lose yourself amidst the traditions of the past.
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