Green Bazaar

For centuries, bazaars have played a vital role in the daily life of many Eastern countries. The vibrant atmosphere of a bazaar is an experience that cannot be fully captured in words. Visitors are greeted by the rich scents of exotic spices, the lively chatter of vendors and customers, and the delicious aromas of freshly prepared food. It is a place steeped in cultural and spiritual significance, where different cultures converged and knowledge was exchanged. Throughout history, bazaars were also known as places where religions flourished and spread. The Almaty Bazaar is a prime example of this rich history and cultural tradition.

Bargaining is an essential aspect of the bazaar experience, something that has been a part of this retail space since the Middle Ages and continues to this day. Upon arriving at the market, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to negotiate and haggle for a better price on the goods you want to purchase. Not only will the sellers be pleased, but you'll also become an integral part of the lively «living organism» that is the bazaar. So don't hesitate to put your bargaining skills to the test!

The evolution of the country's oldest market

The Green Bazaar of Almaty is renowned for being the oldest bazaar not only in the city but also in all of Kazakhstan. Its trading rows date back to 1868, when Almaty was still known as Verny. After its creation, merchants and representatives of tea companies from neighboring Asian countries and beyond saw it as a necessity to have a presence in the Green Bazaar. Some even built houses in the surrounding area, contributing to the growth of the city. However, a major earthquake in Verny caused significant damage to the area, including the destruction of the bazaar. Although it was later restored, it was unable to reclaim its former glory due to increased competition from other flourishing trading centers.

In the 1920s, the era of collective farms began in the USSR, including in Kazakhstan. In 1927, the Green Bazaar was transformed into the Central Collective Farm Market, which primarily sold products from nearby farms. One of the most popular and sought-after products was the Almaty Aport apples. It was during this time that the name Green Bazaar gained popularity among the locals.

In 2017, the Green Bazaar underwent a major renovation and was transformed into a two-story enclosed pavilion, separated into different sections based on the types of products sold. Today, the Green Bazaar is as popular as it was in the late 19th century, offering a wide variety of goods including dried fruits, nuts, sweets, clothing, furniture, household items, souvenirs and much more. Visitors can purchase high-quality, fresh products at affordable prices, including traditional Kazakhstani products like:

• Kurt (sour-milk balls made from dried cottage cheese)
• Jent (a sweet dish made of fried millet with ghee, nuts, honey, etc.)
• Irimshik (a sweet dairy product);
• Kumys (mare's milk)
• Shubat (camel's milk)
• Talkan (a sweetness made from fried wheat flour and butter)

Whether you are a local or a visitor, the Green Bazaar is definitely worth a visit. Not only does it offer a wide range of goods at affordable prices, but it also provides a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the city. From the bustling sounds of merchants haggling over prices to the vibrant colors and delicious aromas of traditional foods, the Green Bazaar is a sensory experience unlike any other. So why not join one of our sightseeing tours that include this iconic market and take advantage of the opportunity to bargain and purchase unique, one-of-a-kind items.

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