There were originally two Bedestens (vaulted structures that were built for storage and safe keeping) , Cevahir (inner) Bedesten made during the era of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (1444-46/1451-81) and Salldal Bedesten that was made afterwards . Many Bazaars developed around the two Bedestens and formed the Grand Bazaar of today . The bazaar has witnessed also a large expansion in the 16th century , specially during the period of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent . In 1894 , there were major restoration works carried out in the Bazaar due to damages caused by an Earthquake .
Cevahir Bedesten , which was the first structure of the bazaar , has a rectangular plan that measures 53m x 68m . Walls on each side are connected with arches which separate the inner location to 16 units with square shapes . Each unit is roofed with a dome sitting on arches .
Sandal Bedesten is an area measuring 35m x 42m that shares the same building structure plan with Cevahir Bedesten . It is divided into 20 units with each unit roofed with a dome sitting on arches as well .
