ISTANBUL, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters were battling a fire that erupted in the bustling Spice Bazaar in Türkiye's largest city Istanbul on Wednesday, local media reported.

The fire started in the chimney of a restaurant in the bazaar and later spread to the roof, according to preliminary reports cited by NTV broadcaster.

Numerous fire brigade teams have been dispatched to the scene in the Eminonu neighborhood on the European side of the city. Photos on the NTV website showed fire brigades actively intervening in the fire on the roof, which was shrouded in smoke.

Established in the 1660s during the Ottoman era, the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, remains one of Istanbul's most iconic covered shopping complexes and touristic attractions.