ISTANBUL: Turkey reopened restaurants, cafes and Istanbul's iconic 15th century Grand Bazaar market on Monday as the government further eased coronavirus restrictions.
Many other facilities including parks, beaches, libraries and museums reopened across the country, while millions of public sector employees returned to work.
At Istanbul's landmark Grand Bazaar, traders were dusting the shelves and tidying their shops while janitors scrubbed floors as the world-famous site welcomed visitors again. The bazaar on the historic peninsula also home to tourist sites such as the Hagia Sophia museum and the Blue Mosque, was closed on March 23 to stem the spread of the coronavirus. It was the market's longest closure in its more than 550-year-old history that did not involve fires or earthquakes. Its reopening was a symbolic move not only for Turkey, but for the world, said celebrity chef Nusret Gokce, nicknamed Salt Bae, who runs a steak restaurant in the bazaar. "Istanbul is the capital of the world and the (Grand Bazaar) is the first shopping mall of the world. We are waiting for everyone," he said. Diners at his popular eatery are encouraged to read what's on offer on their phones rather than handling the printed menus.
Elsewhere at the market, some shop owners were eager to get business back on track, while acknowledging that it could take time for the crowds to return.
Turkey, with a population of 83 million, has recorded over 4,500 virus-related deaths.
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