Istanbul Big Box
Istanbul Big Box explained: move a merchant and assistants through a modular bazaar, gather goods, trade efficiently and race to collect rubies.
Navigate a bustling bazaar by leaving assistants behind to perform actions, then collecting them again as you move through the market.
Why We Love It
The assistant system makes route planning matter: every action changes where your merchant can efficiently go next.
About Istanbul Big Box
Istanbul Big Box is a medium strategy game published by Pegasus Spiele and designed by Rüdiger Dorn. Its core systems include Core Actions, Resource Planning and Timing, creating a mix of tactical timing and longer-term planning.
This guide focuses on the edition and rules scope identified in the source notes below, with factual rules separated from editorial decision analysis.
Game at a Glance
Core Actions
Use this system efficiently and connect it to your broader scoring plan.
Resource Planning
Use this system efficiently and connect it to your broader scoring plan.
Timing
Use this system efficiently and connect it to your broader scoring plan.
Scoring
Use this system efficiently and connect it to your broader scoring plan.
Who Istanbul Big Box suits
Istanbul Big Box suits players who enjoy Core Actions and Resource Planning, with room to build a plan while reacting to shared incentives. Its medium weight makes it a better fit for groups comfortable tracking several connected systems.
Rules overview
Move your merchant stack one or two market tiles, leave or collect an assistant, then resolve the destination action. Warehouses, markets and special locations help acquire goods, money and upgrades. Rubies are the main race objective. The Big Box contains the base game plus Mocha & Baksheesh and Letters & Seals.
Key decisions
Editorial analysis: Efficient routes minimize turns spent retrieving assistants while linking resource collection directly to the next ruby opportunity.
Related games
Learn Istanbul Big Box in depth
Sources and edition notes
Facts checked September 17, 2026. This hub covers the complete Big Box package.