The 'Forty Spoons' name originates from the stone carvings on the building's crown gate, which depict spoons or ladle-like motifs.
The structure was built during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Murad III.
The masonry incorporates typical architectural elements from the Ramazanid Principality period.
The thick walls were designed to maintain a cooler internal temperature, a necessary feature in the humid climate of the Mersin region.
It served as the center of Tarsus's textile and spice trade for centuries.
Kırkkaşık Bedesten is a 16th-century covered bazaar commissioned in 1579 by Ibrahim Bey, the son of Ramazanoğlu Piri Pasha. The structure is built with dressed stone and features a rectangular plan with 18 distinct domes covering its roof. Its name, 'Kırkkaşık', translates to 'Forty Spoons,' a reference to the decorative spoon carvings found on the building's facade. Originally constructed as an imaret (public kitchen) and social complex, it functioned as a vital commercial hub for Tarsus during the Ottoman era. Today, the interior houses a variety of artisanal workshops, traditional handicraft boutiques, and local craft sellers. It remains a prime example of Tarsus's historic architectural preservation efforts. The bazaar underwent a comprehensive restoration process in the early 2000s to stabilize its masonry and improve visitor accessibility. It serves as an active commercial space rather than a static museum.
The main arched stone gateway, which features the unique spoon carvings and period-accurate masonry.
Visit during the morning to watch local artisans opening their shops and setting up their wares.
Speak with the local craftspeople to learn about Tarsus-specific needlework and woodcraft traditions.
Look for the original stonework carvings near the main entrance gates.
Do not mistake the modern commercial storefronts for the original structural integrity; some interior displays are recent additions.
Maintain a quiet tone when browsing; dress modestly as it is situated in a traditional part of the city.
