Shoppers' Bayram: Businessman buys up entire Istanbul bazaar for Eid al-Adha surprise

Customers who wandered into Istanbul's Piyalepaşa district market Thursday were met with a pleasant surprise— the items sold at the bazaar were offered free of charge after a local businessman bought-up all the stalls for the day.

Sezgin Baran, Chairman of SBK Holding, purchased all of the items in the market, which sells fresh food products including fruits, vegetables, chesses, and olives, to mark the start of Qurban Bayram, (Feast of the Sacrifice), also known as Eid al-Adha.

Thanks to Baran, market shoppers didn't have to open their wallets in order to go home with bags full of fresh produce, but they had to act fast, as the bazaar was completely sold out within two hours.

Locals couldn't contain their surprise when they discovered that the products were free in honor of the holiday, with customers extending gratitude to the company and Baran for sponsoring the shopping-spree.

As soon as all of the bazaar's products were exhausted, SBK Holding authorities quickly bought up the items from mobile carts around the market, offering free tea, simit, and corn to shoppers.

SBK holding officials humbly declined to comment on the event, as they did not think it would be appropriate to discuss the matter.

Much like Christmastime in the West, Qurban Bayram holds a strong sprit of charity, with posters and billboards erected across Istanbul urging people to donate to poor and vulnerable communities in Turkey and abroad.