First ‘women-specific’ shopping center opened in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Turkey’s first “women-specific” mall was opened in Istanbul on May 12.

The ZERUJ Mall in Istanbul’s Zeytinburnu district includes a total of 126 stores reflecting “conservative Turkish women’s fashion.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ZERUJ Mall CEO Zehra Özkaymak denied reports that men were banned from entering the mall.

“Some speculations about a ban on men entering were made on social media. This is not true. Everybody is invited to the mall. We have created an atmosphere to enjoy for all the family,” Özkaymak said.

“I would like to thank my dear friends and store owners, women entrepreneurs who have come to this path by believing in us and trusting us, starting small-scale production in their homes five years ago,” she added.

Özkaymak also suggested that the mall could become an “apple of the eye” among many the Middle East countries.