My recent photos from Knoxville’s Farmers Market were fun to take and to process. That is really the only kind of shopping that I like to do. However, when we travel one of my favorite activities is going shopping. More correctly, I enjoy going to watch others shop. Foreign markets, bazaars, souks or whatever they are called are endlessly entertaining and educational if you go where the locals live to experience their world.
These images were taken in markets in Turkey. In the first image the jeans-wearing mannequins create a leading line pulling your eyes farther into the shop. The bit of clothing at the end completes the story of why they are there. The stacks and rows of scarves so colorful and neatly displayed make this image a bit of an abstract.
More scarves
Vendors actively push their wares be it spices, fish, vegetables, goats (alive or not) or even a camel or two. They are active salespeople and seem aggressive to the inexperienced. You must barter if you intend to purchase from these merchants or you will simultaneously pay too much and be thought a fool.
Did I mention merchants can be persistent and aggressive? We purchased a carpet in Turkey seven years ago and I continuously get calls from them wanting to sell us more. One day I intend to write a book on “How to Get Rid of a Turkish Rug Salesman,” but first, I need to figure out just how to do that.
Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer each week share a painting or photograph that captured their interest in hopes that it will also capture yours. They have a small studio and gallery in the Phoenix Building at 418 South Gay Street where you can stop and see their work. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright protected.