What spices to buy in Instanbul

Thanks for your replies, guys.

I don't worry about customs. The over-zealousness of US customs officers is legendary all over the world, however, I'm from Slovakia and it's not a big deal here. On the other hand, we don't have good spice vendors. Those that do exist have pretty much the same stuff I can buy in a supermarket plus a few exotic spices.

I think I should concentrate on different kinds of Turkish pepper and paprika and maybe some kekik and mint. Maybe grains of paradise, cubeb and similar stuff. But mostly capsicum.

Koukouvagia said:

Bay leaves!!

Take what you can, the worst that happens is they throw them out at customs. Take it from me, I've smuggled all kinds of cheeses, dried meats, even live snails.

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THIS is the attitude I like (and share).