How bazaar

Turkish bazaars have it all – shoes, guitars, glittery bling-bling. During my hunt for the synagogues of Izmir, I explored every corner of the city's central bazaar. I particularly liked the food street, where everything was set out in such inviting heaps and piles.

This is how people actually purchase food in the Middle East. This is the alternative to Safeway. Way, way cooler. You can buy…


Fruit!


Nuts!


Olives!


Spices!


Panties!

Wait, how did that get in there?


Hogs!


Kebab!


Cow heads and other mystery parts!


And, of course, fish. Look closer at the fish table.


See the Evil Eye peeking out from under the fishies? That's a Turkish good luck charm, and it's everywhere. They really believe in that thing. It supposedly wards off the real Evil Eye by reflecting it back upon its evil owner. I don't know if there are similar charms to ward off Stink Eye and Crook Eye.