Carpet shopping in IST
 

Hi Everyone:

I'm going to Istanbul next month for the first time. I've made reservations at the Hotel Valide Sultan Konagi for 3 nights and the Empress Zoe, also for 3 nights. In between is a 3 day private tour to Ephesus, Bursa, Pergamum, and Troy. I'd like to buy a rug while there and wondered if anyone had a place that they could really recommend. I'm not so worried about the quality issue or the haggling - it's more the shipping that I'm wondering about. If anyone has any information they could share, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

David

Unless you are carpeting a full sized gym they will probably manage to get it small enough for you to bring back as checked luggage.

We were so tempted last time we were there, good shopping.

They all can take care of shipping at reasonable rates. They all do it all the time.

Although you say price is not an option, it should be. these guys are sharks and you need to have some knowledge beforehand, otherwise they'll rip you off.

Try this:
http://www.ishoparoundtheworld.com/a...php3?ITEM=3173

When we booked a tour of Ephesus in 2002, one of the stops was a carpet making cooperative, run by a Turkish gentleman and his English wife. I cannot remember the name of the shop, but it was near Ephesus. We purchased three rugs and shipping was "free" because we signed over our VAT to them. I have no idea if the prices were reasonable, but I was comfortable with the experience and love the rugs.
It did take almost 12 weeks for them to arrive, instead of the promised 6 weeks, so I was getting nervous, but an unanswered email preceded a call to "confirm your address" and they were shipped from New York shortly thereafter.
As cordelli mentioned, I was offered the chance to have them folded into a carry on size package, but as we were just starting a 6 week back packing trip, that really wasn't feasible.
Have a wonderful time! I cannot wait to go back to Turkey!
Kate

Have fun choosing a carpet and haggling :)