Old Bazaar - Skopje Old Town

Skopje, North Macedonia

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The Old Bazaar in Skopje, North Macedonia, is the historic and cultural heart of the city, dating back to the 12th century and flourishing primarily under Ottoman rule from the 15th to 19th centuries.

It developed as a major trading hub with narrow cobblestone alleys lined by traditional shops, mosques, caravanserais, hammams, and inns that preserve its oriental charm. Despite enduring earthquakes, fires, and wars over the centuries, the bazaar has been rebuilt and remains a vibrant center blending history, culture, and commerce.

It houses around thirty mosques, historic inns, and other architectural landmarks like the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the Cifte Hammam, now an art gallery. The area combines Ottoman and Byzantine architectural influences and is a lively marketplace where handcrafted goods, antiques, and modern wares meet, reflecting Skopje's rich multicultural heritage and its ongoing role as a living museum and popular tourist attraction.