The World's Narrowest Arasta: Dikiciler Arastası
With its 1.5-metre width and 30-metre length, the Historic Dikiciler Arastası, adjacent to Çorum’s Hürriyet Square, has a narrowness rarely seen anywhere in the world. Promoted in the city’s marketing as “the world’s narrowest bazaar,” it attracts visitors with both its dimensions and its preserved 1950s bazaar fabric.
History
The arasta’s current structure was built after the fire of 1956. It takes its name from the dikiciler (tailors) who plied their trade here at the time. Having lost part of its function over the years, the arasta regained its original appearance through a restoration that began in 2021 and took about a year, completed in 2022.
Features
- Dimensions: 1.5 m wide, 30 m long
- Location: Next to Hürriyet Square, central Çorum
- Architecture: Restoration preserving the original timber and wall fabric
- Function: After restoration, it was arranged with the aim of becoming a bazaar where traditional handicrafts are kept alive (CNN Türk)
The word “arasta” describes the narrow streets where craftsmen set up their benches side by side — the small-scale counterpart of the covered bazaar and bedesten tradition. Dikiciler Arastası is one of the smallest surviving examples of this tradition in Türkiye.
Visiting
The arasta is in the central bazaar area, within walking distance; it can be visited with a two-minute detour during a shopping route in Çorum. For other stops in bazaar culture, see our Çorum Tinsmiths page.
The “world’s narrowest bazaar” phrase is a promotional title used by the city and is not based on an official record.