Istanbul (AFP)

The iconic Istanbul Grand Bazaar, closed since March 23, reopened on Monday as Turkey lifted most of the restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, according to AFP correspondents.

The Bazaar, which hosts some 3,000 shops and 30,000 traders, emerges from its longest closure in almost six centuries of existence, apart from natural disasters and fires.

The reopening of the covered market was done within the framework of strict rules decreed by the Ministry of Health: the wearing of the mask will be compulsory and a limited number of customers will be accepted in the shops.

This covered market, one of the largest in the world, received around 150,000 people a day before it closed, mainly tourists.

The reopening of the Bazaar comes as part of a easing of most of the restrictions imposed in Turkey to fight against the new coronavirus, which has killed more than 4,500 people out of nearly 164,000 officially registered cases in the country.

Libraries, restaurants and nurseries were able to reopen on Monday and travel between the main cities of the country, banned or restricted for two months, is once again authorized.

Domestic flights, suspended since the end of March, have also partially resumed. International connections to certain destinations must resume from June 10.

- "Capital of the world" -

Turkey had already started to lift certain measures in recent weeks, allowing for example the reopening of shopping centers and hairdressing salons.

The confinement of those over the age of 65 and those under the age of 18 has, however, been maintained until further notice.

Bars and nightclubs also remain closed. Concerts will be allowed only outdoors.

Among the restaurants that reopened on Monday is the branch located at the Grand Bazaar of the chain of flamboyant Turkish chef Nusret Gokce, nicknamed Salt Bae for his theatrical way of spreading salt on his steaks.

"Istanbul is the capital of the world and here (the Grand Bazaar) is the first shopping center in fashion," Gokce told AFP after having participated in the reopening ceremony of the market in the presence of the governor of Istanbul.

"The coronavirus has rocked the world, but that doesn't mean things will stay the way they are.

Life goes on and customers are awaited, "added Yasar Sabuncu after having reopened his store with shelves stocked with souvenirs and leather goods.

If the crowd in the alleys of the market is incommensurate with that before its closure, many barges went there as soon as it reopened.

They even find a couple of Algerian tourists stranded in Istanbul since March due to the suspension of international flights.

"We learned that the Bazaar reopened today and we came. It is our first time here, it is a splendid place," said the wife, Sana kheddar.

© 2020 AFP