Up to half a million people every day pushes through the streets of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. But visitors are not a threat to the fabric of the old giant market, but the dealer. They should have dug cellar, to gain more space.

Gold jewelry, leather bags, tobacco, tea and towels: On the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, there is hardly something that does not exist. It sparkles and shines with the jewels and lamp dealers. Oriental tones blare of small cafes, women entwine colorful scarves around their necks, stuck rings on and look in the mirror.

The Grand Bazaar is a shopping paradise for Istanbul travelers. Under a dome that covered 64 roads, there are to buy in more than 3500 stores a wealth of beautiful and hideous things. But the interest in the Sultanahmet district is threatening to fall. Because with unauthorized modifications have brought the mighty building according to a report just before the collapse dealer.

A total of 135 businesses have entire walls removed to make more room, told the Turkish newspapers  on Monday, citing a study commissioned by the management of the bazaar in order. The management of the 15th Century built market announced penalties.

The report said 926 dealers have their business area increased by making the thick walls thinner. In addition, 242 holes were dug in the walls. Investigators also found illegally built basements. To come, that the roofs have to bear the additional burden of air conditioning, satellite dishes and water tanks. In 2009 we had the Grand Bazaar certifies a danger of collapse. The roof slide every year one to two inches to the side, it was then called.

The market, which is called in Turkish Kapali Carsi (Covered Market), is one of the major tourist attractions in Istanbul. Up to half a million people a day visited the facility, which also has two mosques. The authorities have announced plans to completely renovate the bazaar, but arguing with shopkeepers over the cost.