The Bedesten (= market hall) dates from 1483 (during the reign of Beyazıt II) and was built by Kapı Ağası Hüseyin Ağa (‘Gatekeeper’ Hüseyin; ‘gatekeeper’ being a rank much higher than the name sounds nowadays).
It is a square building, covered by four medium-sized domes, and four narrow barrel vaultings between them.
This roof is supported by the outer walls and a square (hollow) pillar-like structure in the middle of the hall.
The Bedesten has four entrances: a main doorway in the North (with the building inscription above it) and a second doorway in the East, which is nearly of the same size. The other entrances are smaller.
At the end of the 19th century, it had become a ruin, with only the outer walls still standing. Around 1975, in a first restoration campaign the square hall was repaired; in 2011 a new campaign was going on, to bring the Bedesten back to its original condition.

On the picture: The Bedesten’s inner space, during restoration.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Vakıf Abideler ve eski Eserler’ - Vakıflar Genel Müdürlüğü, Ankara 1983 .