Kashif Sofa
Located just outside of the Grand Bazaar’s Nurosmaniye gate, Kashif Sofa has become one of the most outstanding antique dealers in Istanbul. This store was established in 1976, and its reputation has grown over the years thanks to the hard work and love of its owners, and its reputation is entirely well deserved.
Stepping into Kashif Sofa is like entering a museum and the displays of items are more like presentations of historical artifacts than looking at items for sale. There is a wide range of goods to be found here; the specialty of the shop is engravings and other print media, though it also sells jewelry, glass, gold, silverware, ceramics, and paintings.
Kashif Sofa is, perhaps, not a store for the casual browser or for those who enjoy the random fun of flea markets. It houses a collection of antiques from specific arts and historical periods, and without a qualified knowledge of either the craft or the history it may not be a store that is accessible to a layman. However, for those with an interest or looking for specific pieces, this is a store not to be missed.
As expected, the price tags on pieces at Kashif Sofa are on the expensive side. But this is because the owners know the quality of their wares and value them accordingly. Many of the items simply can not be found elsewhere, so of course the prices are worth it. This store is a wonder that any collector will highly appreciate.
