Chess Meets Art: Hidden Handcrafted Treasures in Süleymaniye ♟️🪙

One of the nicest surprises while walking around Sultanahmet on our trip to Istanbul was finding a few tiny shops selling handmade chess sets. None of them had big signs or brand names; they were just tucked between carpet stores and souvenir stalls near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Some were made from olive wood and walnut, others from marble, onyx, and brass, each one completely different in size and style. Some boards alao had small geometric patterns or were lined with mother-of-pearl, the kind of craftsmanship you'd usually only see in museum displays or as collectibles.

Prices varied a lot depending on material and size, from small travel boards to elaborate decorative sets that could easily be centrepieces!

💡 Tips for chess enthusiasts (like me!):

💵 Bring cash. Helps a ton when haggling!

♟️ Ask the seller where the pieces are made; some are hand-carved locally, others imported.

💱 Compare prices. Two shops on the same street can differ quite a bit.

🛄 If buying marble or onyx sets, check the weight; they're heavy and may affect your luggage. Also check the size if you plan on purchasing a large chess board.

❔️ Ask, ask, ask! Always ask about the material and craftsmanship to avoid getting ripped off or lied to. Know your materials and what to look for.

If you're a chess enthusiast, it's definitely worth slowing down and taking a look 🤫.

#travel #turkey #istanbul #chess #shopping #hiddengem #handmade #chesscollectors

Post by EmeraldSkies | Oct 18, 2025