HAGIASMA-HOLY WELL / A Tale of 3000 Years Old

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

You are at a breathtaking event you won’t find anywhere else to listen to Istanbul’s 3,000-year-old stories.

Here, the voices of the One Thousand and One Nights tales and the mythological heritage come to life with a storyteller. The stories are not limited to listening alone; if you wish, you can also participate in a hands-on workshop making Turkish delight or distilling the aroma of flowers, turning the tale into a tactile experience.

Little Hagia Sophia was originally built as the temple of the city’s first palace, Bukoleon. While monks lived in the temple’s monastery, during the Ottoman period the building, transformed into a madrasa, was home to dervishes / sufis. The structure functioned as a church for approximately 1000 years and as a mosque for 500 years, making it an impressive site. Throughout the Ancient, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, it was considered a hidden treasure and a global center of mysticism and spirituality.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Istanbul has a history spanning 8,000 years, the last 3,000 of which is written history. Captain Bugra, a local storyteller, recounts the history, legends, and mystical atmosphere of Istanbul's oldest temple in the gardens of Bukoleon, an ancient palace on the seashore. During the event, you'll learn how to make Turkish coffee for free. If you're interested in the historical Silk Road, you can also learn how to make and taste a blend of Turkish tea from natural herbs... We can guarantee you've never had an experience like this before. You will reach the pinnacle of spirituality. The building, which served as a madrasa (religious school) during the Ottoman era, functions as a school. Legends and stories from the Ottoman period come alive again in this place... We assert again, you will never forget it.

What‘s Included

★ Discover other workshops in Little Hagia Sophia Art Centre

★ Experience the rooms where the monks lived.

★Witness the legends of Istanbul.

★★ History, culture, geography, and fascinating stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

★★ Get introduced to the art center’s other workshops and meet the artists in person.

★ Relaxed, friendly, and conversational experience

★ Observe the last remaining neighborhood from the Ottoman era.

★★ Complimentary tastings from Turkish cuisine such as börek, helva, Turkish delight, and more.

★ Listen to the 3000-year-old stories of Istanbul.

★What is a Sufi? Who is a dervish? Learn in this activity.

Options

The 3,000 Year Old Tales of Istanbul – Little Hagia Sophia

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Making Turkish delight in Istanbul
terryandcaroliner,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We spent a wonderful, unrushed afternoon listening to stories and learning to make turkish delight with Captain and Anna. It was special to interact with local Turkish inhabitants and escape the bustle of a hot Istanbul in a quiet shady garden. Sweet memories indeed. Highly recommended.
Excellent
C8792LBhelgal,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Would like to recomend the best Turkish Delight I have ever tried there in Istanbul! It was warm served with Turkish tea and Almond by Mr. Bugra and his Mom. Really most visited place and nice people to spend time there! We will come back again for sure!
My meeting with Captain Burak and Lavender Essential Oil
christallak2020,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The experience of the experiential perfume lab in Istanbul was truly magical for me. Mr. Burak was extremely friendly, warm and explanatory, creating from the very first moment a space of security, connection and joy. Watching closely how lavender essential oil is created was deeply touching. Even more, the fact that I was involved in creating my first essential oil was an experience that touched something very essential in me. The process was not just technical; it was experiential, full of presence, knowledge, care and respect for nature and the art of perfumery. My association with Mr. Burak and the way he shared his knowledge and love for what he does filled me with joy, inspiration and gratitude. Thank you from the heart for this experience, which will remain deeply engraved for me. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something authentic, substantial and truly special.
The best hands-on educational activity in Istanbul ever!
Tanja M,,Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is an amazing workshop and activity for learning more about Liitle Aya Sophia. The tiles workshop is also fun and very educational since you are using an ancient technique with ancient tools. Mr Burga is a great tour guide and shares many interesting historical details. His mother is super friendly and leads the tiles workshop. We had so much fun. Highly recommended!