Turkish Delight Making Workshop / Cooking Class in Old City
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
You’ve explored Istanbul, tasted its flavors, and now you can return home not just with souvenirs, but with a story. In the enchanting setting of Little Hagia Sophia, you can learn how to make authentic Turkish delight—a centuries-old delicacy—with your own unique touch.
Ideal for families, couples, and curious travelers, this experience allows you to create lasting memories while discovering a tradition that can be passed down through generations.
Set in a historic garden within one of Istanbul’s oldest monasteries, you can experience the art of making Turkish delight. Rather than store-bought sweets, you can prepare your own Turkish delight by hand and take it home as a keepsake in an elegant bowl adorned with traditional İznik tile patterns.
Accompanied by a local storyteller, you can listen to the stories behind this tradition and deepen your experience. You can also enjoy the opportunity to meet other artists at the Little Hagia Sophia Culture Center.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
What To Expect
This workshop takes place in a former monastery in the garden of the historic Little Hagia Sophia, an architectural gem rarely open to interactive experiences. In a setting steeped in centuries of history, you'll make Turkish delight (Lokum) from scratch using authentic techniques. What makes it truly special is the hands-on process, cultural storytelling, local knowledge, and the chance to create sweets just as they were made generations ago. Guests leave not only with delicious handmade lokum, but also with an unforgettable memory rooted in flavor, tradition, and the setting. You'll learn many details from a local Istanbul master, from the importance of copper cookware in Turkish cuisine to the subtleties of using wooden spoons. You can create your own recipes using seasonal fruits, nuts, and flower nectar. There are no limits to the shapes you can create! However, we recommend cube-shaped versions. A fun, enjoyable event full of history and culture!
Options
Turkish Delight Workshop
Free service : Turkish Tea and Turkish Cofee servise available and It is free throughout the course with small cookies
What‘s Included
✦ All tools, ingredients, and protective aprons are provided during the session
✦ A gift of Iznik tiles. Inside is the Turkish delight you made.
✦ Get hands-on with mixing, cooking, and perfecting the ideal texture and flavor
✦ Enjoy complimentary Turkish tea and cofee during the experience
✦ Learn the story of Turkish Delight and its deep cultural roots in Turkish tradition
✦ Taste your fresh creations and compare with classic samples offered by the host
✦ Shape, cut, and powder your Turkish Delight by hand in the traditional way
✦ Use authentic flavors like rose, citrus and mastic to personalize your own delights
✦ Prepare the sweet from scratch using copper pot, wooden spoon and natural ingredients
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A very welcoming cultural experience
FatmaMoosa,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very welcoming and hospitable mother-and-son duo who immediately make you feel at home. The workshop lasts approximately one hour, during which the mother cooks while guests observe, learn, and lightly participate in the process. During the wait, Captain Bura went above and beyond sharing stories from his life as a businessman, teaching us about aromatherapy, and even offering to guide us around the Little Hagia Sophia. It truly felt like more than just a workshop, but a warm cultural experience spent in wonderful company. The only small downside was that the shared public bathroom was not of the highest quality. Otherwise, it was a beautifully spent afternoon.
Wonderful experience
Emily C,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our Turkish delight workshop. Our hosts were so welcoming and enthusiastic. We learned how to make Turkish delight the traditional way, but also enjoyed the wonderful location and relaxing atmosphere. Our hosts took the time to tell us the history of the mosque and gave us a tour after our workshop had finished. We were also given some lovely gifts of lavender essential oil and hand made soaps. Would highly recommend this experience. The only thing that could improve the experience would be to provide a printed copy of the recipe with step by step instructions instead of the written ones which are not very detailed and you may not remember all the steps at a later date. Overall, we had a fabulous time.
Fantastic experience!
Hector R,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was definitely a great experience. Captain Bugra and his mom were so pleasant and genuinely good people. I highly recommend!
Cookery and local culture
MeWardy,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00How do you make delicious Loukoum/ Turkish Delight? With a love, imagination and above all patience! We were instructed in this by our welcoming hosts in a homely cultural centre in the pretty gardens of Little Hagia Sophia mosque. A relaxing local experience, and such a contrast to the busy touristic sites just up the hill in Istanbul. We learnt a lot about this traditional regional treat and also the family stories and customs surrounding it. We came away not only more confident to try to make our own Loukoum at home, but also with some samples of our cooking that day and memories of a lovely afternoon.
Exceptional, above expectations!
Marta P,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fun activity, both instructor and his mum were so attentive. We also got a mini tour of the mosque and were sent away with lovely gifts. Would 100% recommend if you’re in Istambul even for a short period of time. We will definitely try to recreate the recipe at home!
Amazing
juliesW1291CL,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fantastic class! Made with love. The Captain was full of stories and my family enjoyed every minute
I have a great time
Wiparat C,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hello am from Thailand and my boyfriend from Slovakia,, we have Nice Experian with amazing people You much visit to learn more interesting life They are kindness and good heart
Fabulous Turkish Delight Workshop with two wonderful hosts. Worth every penny.
Christine F,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Not to be missed - a truly splendid afternoon of Turkish delight making with eloquent Captain Borga and his enchanting ‘mum’ the cook. We learned a lot about Turkish Delight and some of the history and had a very informational visit to the Little Hagia Sophia . Well worth the price, it has been one of the highlights of our trip to Istanbul.
Sweeter than sweet
Connector51843007917,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We stopped by the Little Sofia Mosque by accident and Bugra gave us a wonderful tour of the space. He is knowledgeable and has a love for this unique location and its history. If you take this class you will get the stories as well as the treats, and you will have a wonderful time.
Amazing workshop
10jisunl,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This Turkish Delight Workshop was one of the highlights of our trip to Istanbul. The Captain and his mother were warm, funny and incredibly knowledgeable, and the intimate setting near the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque made the whole experience feel authentic and personal. We loved getting hands-on making the lokum from scratch, choosing flavours and boxing up our own creations to take home. A perfect mix of culture, learning and fun. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Istanbul!
Related Experiences
Operated by Little Hagia Sophia