Salman Street, or Copper Alley
Salman Street, or Copper Alley in the historic center of Ankara, Turkey
Salman Street, often called Copper Alley, is located in the historic part of Ankara near the Ulus district. It is one of those city streets where the atmosphere of old commercial development has been preserved: small shops, workshops, and family-run stores connected with traditional crafts stretch along it.
The main feature of the street is copperware. Display windows and counters usually feature trays, jugs, cups, coffee pots, candlesticks, plates, and decorative items for the home. Some of the goods are intended for everyday use, while others are meant as souvenirs, so the selection here is interesting both for those looking for practical items and for those who want to bring back a handcrafted object with local character from Ankara.
In addition to copper goods, the street also offers other items associated with traditional trade: textiles, carpets, tableware, small interior items, and souvenirs. The assortment and quality can vary noticeably from one shop to another, so it makes sense to compare several stores at a relaxed pace. For tourists, this place is interesting not only for shopping, but also for the opportunity to see one of Ankara's old commercial quarters outside the format of modern shopping centers.
Salman Street, or Copper Alley on the map
Salman Street, or Copper Alley in the Ulus district
A shopping street with copper workshops and souvenir shops
Craft shops with copperware and household goods
On Copper Alley, the display windows with polished and embossed copper usually attract attention. Here you can browse serving trays, Turkish coffee pots, kettles, bowls, platters, lamps, and decorative vessels. In some workshops, you can see the actual process of work, or at least the tools and blanks, which helps you better understand how this craft works.
A walk along the street is suitable for those who enjoy small shopping quarters with a local character. Buyers should pay attention to the finish, the thickness of the metal, the presence of decorative embossing, and the interior lining of the cookware if the item is intended for use. Prices and quality are not uniform here, so it is useful to compare several options before making a purchase.
The street is also convenient for a short stop during a walk through Ankara's old center: nearby are the Ulus district, Ankara Castle, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. After exploring the shops, you can stop by one of the neighboring cafés or continue your route through the historic streets around the castle.
The easiest way to get here is via the Ulus district by public transport, and then continue on foot through the historic quarters toward the castle. Because of the narrow streets and dense development, walking is usually more practical than driving.
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photos of Copper Alley
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