Photos: The ancient art of Istanbul’s porters survives modern challenges

On the streets of Istanbul in Turkiye, porters hauling massive sacks wrapped in white plastic—on their backs or in handcarts—represent an essential yet often invisible thread in the city’s cultural tapestry.

This profession, called hamallık in Turkish, has survived from Ottoman times into the modern era.

The practice thrives particularly in Istanbul’s historic commercial centres—the Egyptian Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, and the Eminonu district—where traditional hans (commercial buildings) house workshops producing jewellery, textiles, and various goods.

These porters remain vital because many centuries-old hans lack modern amenities like elevators and are nestled within narrow streets where vehicles cannot pass. In Eminonu, daytime traffic restrictions further heighten their importance.