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ISTANBUL: "Go, go, go!" Resound the seductive chants of auctioneers in the narrow streets of a trendy district of Istanbul, fascinating onlookers who are surprised, not so much by the rapid pace of the auctions but by economically low prices. troubled times.
Auctions can be said to be the preserve of the wealthy and to politely engage in rare collectibles or master paintings that can bring in millions of dollars.
But this is not the case in Balat, a historic district located on the banks of the Golden Horn estuary, frequented by tourists and locals, who enjoy trendy cafes and historic churches.
Here, second-hand objects, used furniture with toys, have an exceptional price.
Istanbul has no tradition of selling embarrbadment, even though there are second-hand stores.
However, about five years ago, cheap auction houses began to be born in Balat, offering residents another way to get rid of unwanted goods.
And with the soaring Turkish lira and the loss of nearly 30% of its value against the dollar last year, auctions are an interesting alternative.
Auction houses are now regularly numerous and, for many, this is their first time.
"I came here to walk with my son, but when I heard the song and saw the sign that he is free to join, we went out of curiosity to see what a sale to Auctions, "said Murat, standing in front of the cashier, having won the auction for a laser pen for his 10 lire son (2, 1.7 euros).
"I had never been to an auction before. I've always thought that it was for rich people.
"I really like the atmosphere here. It was very fun and the prices are very reasonable.
"I will definitely come back," he said.
The auction houses do their utmost to create an experience that attracts people.
Auctioneer Ali Tuna invites those who hesitate to the door to sit down.
Twisting the jokes to put people at ease, Thun jokes with the audience as a comedian.
Wearing a black fedora style hat and a microphone to clip, he skillfully describes each object to the crowd, taking a closer look at it to take a closer look at it, that it 's all about. act of a simple pen, a dagger or a silver mirror.
"I have to keep the mood dynamic," said Tuna. "I can not let the energy wither away."
For some, "the guy with the hat" is half the reason for the return.
"You meet different people, some come to satisfy their appetite for antiques and others just for five cent items," said Tuna.
An entertaining atmosphere, almost like a show, is important for the business model.
As the commission charged for the sale of items at a reduced price is low, houses must auction a large volume of merchandise. It is therefore essential to have a room filled with clients.
Some auction houses also serve as cafés, which adds to the attractiveness of the atmosphere and provides the organizers with another source of income.
"It's really fun here," said Hulya Sahin, a middle-aged woman.
"I participate in auctions as a" social activity. "
There is then the excitement of the auctions and a good deal.
"Ten lire, 10 years, but I'm looking for 15, now 20, now 35, 40 and 50", sang Tuna with an increased tempo, wielding a Ford blue car model.
"It was very competitive," remarked Nil Su, a student at the university, who paid 50 liras to get the model for her younger brother.
"I could have bought it at a much lower price, but for this man," she said with a smile, pointing to an older man sitting in the front row who was constantly raising the issue. ;offer.
However, many believe that the auction is a good deal, which is not to be feared, Turkey has experienced a sharp rise in its inflation rate, which reached its highest level in 15 years in October, with more 25%.
"With the current state of the economy, the purchasing power of the population has declined significantly," said Yavuz, who buys and sells items at auction.
"Here they can find products at more affordable prices."
Ercan Altan, who turned his Balat café into an auction house, said all starting prices were not as low as $ 2.
"Some products can not start at $ 2, like this gramophone," he said.
"We start, say with 1,500 lire ($ 280) and sell it at the nearest auction."
Arda Gurler, who runs an online auction website of old documents and prints, said Balat auction houses were not meant for serious collectors – but acknowledged that it was not not the goal.
"It's like a spontaneous theater out there. When you stay five minutes, you enjoy the atmosphere. "
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