Draft:Samsun Bedesten

The Samsun Bedesten or Suleyman Pasha Arasta is a historical bedesten located in the İlkadım district of Samsun, Turkey.

History
Although the exact date of construction is unknown, the first historical record of a covered bazaar or bedesten at this location dates to the 18th century. The bedesten was built adjacent to the right side walls of Samsun Castle. Together, the Samsun Castle, Central Mosque and Samsun Bedesten formed the core of a historical government and economic center of the city and region. This model of castle, mosque and bazaar followed the traditional style of Ottoman city planning. By 1864, the covered bazaar counted seven arched entryways. A project to refurbish the entryways and doors of the market was carried out by the treasurer of Süleyman Pasha. Most of the doors and some of the archways were gradually demolished as Samsun urbanized and the space for retail expanded throughout central İlkadım. By 1910, Samsun Bedesten became an open bazaar which it remains today. Although the pedestrian street still bears the name of bedesten, it more closely fits the definition of an arasta after these renovations.

Modern history
With the rapid urbanization of Samsun and the growth of other business districts, commerce in the historical bedesten has declined. Businesses such as money changers, antique dealers, jewelers and other vendors still inhabit the bedesten, though many modern and higher volume businesses have moved to more prominent shopping streets and malls like Piazza Samsun.