Turkish Carpet Rug Weaving Workshop (Halı Kilim Dokuma Atölyesi)
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Hands-on fun: you actually weave, not just watch
Our motto: Quality > Quantity → small groups, patient guidance, cozy atmosphere
Cultural depth: stories, history, and meaning woven in
Totally beginner-friendly (kids too — and yes, even “naughty ones” )
Flexible timing to fit your trip schedule
Tea, coffee, snacks, and laughs included
You take home your own handmade piece — 100% more unique than a fridge magnet
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
We offer convenient on-foot pickup within a 10-minute walk to simplify reaching our workshop.
Workshop sessions are not specified by default. As a result of mutual discussion, the event is held at a time that is convenient for both parties. We have flexibility.
What To Expect
✨ Step into the world of Turkish carpet weaving ✨ Weather too cold? Weather too hot? Take a break from the chaos of Istanbul and join us for a few hours of laughter, stories, and weaving. This isn’t just a workshop it’s a little escape where you get to sip tea, nibble on snacks, and discover one of Turkey’s oldest crafts with your own hands. You’ll sit at the loom and, with our guidance, turn colorful threads into your very own piece of Turkish carpet. Most people walk in saying, “I have zero skills,” and leave saying, “Wait, I actually made this?!” The joy on their faces (and sometimes their kids’ too!) is why we love what we do. We keep groups small so everyone gets attention, and between the weaving you’ll hear fun stories about Istanbul, Turkish culture, and the history behind these carpets. The vibe is always friendly and relaxed think tea, instant coffee, maybe too many snacks, and a lot of laughs. By the end, you won’t just have a handmade souvenir… you’ll have a memory that’ll last way longer than any bazaar purchase.
Options
Turkish Carpet Rug Weaving Workshop (Halı Kilim Dokuma Atölyesi)
What‘s Included
Certified guide
Turkish Tea
Water
Snacks
All required equipments
Coffee ☕
Gratuities
Picture Frame
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
121 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic hands-on weaving experience
L4191DXanastasiaa,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time at the workshop! It was our first time weaving. The instructions were easy to follow and there was help readily available if needed. We left with a small piece to take home and a huge appreciation for this craft.
This will exceed expectations
gracekG3443FN,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was initially concerned, believing that the Uber driver had dropped us off at the wrong place. The building where the carpet-weaving workshop was located was run down and sketchy. Only a dusty vintage clothing shop and a tattoo parlor occupied the first floor. But following Ilker, the owner, upstairs to his workshop, the door opened up to a much more inviting window-lined room filled with light. Three tables were covered with small looms and the necessary tools for rug weaving. He asked us to remove our shoes before entering but when I asked if I could keep mine on, he kindly provided shoe covers. The instructions he gave us were clear and easy to follow. Video instructions clarified his verbal directions. He offered assistance often and with sincerity and alacrity. He provided traditional Turkish tea, fresh pastries, red ripe strawberries and small green plums that were crunchy, like an apple, but much tarter. He was an easy conversationalist who readily shared insights into many aspects of day-to-day life in Istanbul-including his own experience of its political, economic, religious and social aspects. He responded to every “thank you” with a sincere “my pleasure.” He provided a shoe-horn to my husband to help him put his shoes back on at the end of our class. Then he gave us recommendations for the rest of our day and walked us back down to street level. It was a level of exceptional service that you rarely see. Not only did he make us feel like welcome guests, he offered his hospitality with such apparent pleasure. He seemed to have pre-considered every aspect of a visitor’s experience and thus, managed to exceed expectations and deliver a truly delightful afternoon. We came away with beautiful samples of our own rug-weaving efforts. But even better, we all experienced an exceptional example of Turkish hospitality and welcome.
It was a very interesting experience.
satoru o,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even though there was only one person on the day, he taught me very carefully. It was also a very interesting experience to learn about the meaning of each pattern and what kind of structure the carpet is made of. It was difficult at first, but I got used to it and was able to complete it, and I had a very fulfilling time.
We enjoyed it throughly and recommend to anyone who wants to experience carpet weaving in a warm friendly atmosphere.
O5378ILmohammedi,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was best experience since me and my wife never weaved before. Workshop was conducted by very good teacher under wonderful friendly atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed it and came home with what we weaved. We recommend Anatoliya heritage workshop to anyone visiting Istanbul.
Super Fun!
450aminataj,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enioyed every minute of this experience. It was a little difficult to find but once I found it, I had a good time. Learning how to make a rug and the history behind it, and also listening to good music was such a highlight. I love my little pattern that I made. Hamza was incredibly nice and welcoming. It’s a two hour experience but didn’t feel like it at all. Highly recommend! Come visit!!!
Incredible & Unique Experience!!
Gia T,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This carpet weaving workshop was such a massive highlight of an already stellar trip to Istanbul! We had a wonderful, in-depth conversation with the instructor, who was so helpful and informative about all the fascinating aspects of Turkish carpets - the history, symbolism, materials, the overall industry, and, of course, how to actually go about weaving our carpet swatches. Not only that, but we really got to connect on a personal and cross-cultural level and ended up spending a fair amount of time just talking about our lives in different places. With his careful and attentive help, our swatches turned out so beautiful! I will always treasure our carpet pieces and the wonderful memories. This experience gets my strongest recommendation, and an easy 5 stars - if you’re in Istanbul, ABSOLUTELY sign up for this!!!
Must do
carmelabP2260NF,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hi, Thanks irmej ?if i remember your name correctly. My favourite part aside from actually learning how to learn steps in weaving is learning about the meaning of different symbols/patterns and learning about istanbul, his favoirite spots and gow is it like to be a working student with small business. I watched someone knit before and I find that confusing,multistep tasks are usually hard for me but this,I learned!!He is a great teacher so it makes it doable but also makes you appreciate the carpets you see all over Istanbul. I think it shows how patient Turkish people are and Irmej was patient. I was chatting with other Norwegian and London participants so I went over alotted time but he didnt rush us. I think it is great to itinerary for opportunity to learn mindfulness and Turkish art and to slow down (I wanted to feel balanced since Istanbul can be lots of walking and stimulating). We did this activity same day as Dervish ceremony. Thanks Irmej for your humility,sharing your passion of old music and helping to keep art of carpet weaving alive. -Rommel and Carmela from Canada
Fun and relaxing
L5483LXsamw,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time weaving, 2.5 hours flew by and it was a great to sit and chat with a local.
Must Do Local Experience
J8144ETjasonn,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hamza and Ilker run a great workshop highly recommend doing when coming to Istanbul. I was unable to make the first session and they were able to make a special exception for my wife and I to rebook. The class itself was extremely enjoyable and well worth the money. You go away with a hand made souvenir to remember your trip with and a deep appreciation for turkish handmade carpets
Well worth your time and money.
Jason N,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hamza and Ilker run a great workshop highly recommend doing when coming to Istanbul. I was unable to make the first session and they were able to make a special exception for my wife and I to rebook. The class itself was extremely enjoyable and well worth the money. You go away with a hand made souvenir to remember your trip with and a deep appreciation for turkish handmade carpets.
Related Experiences
Operated by Anatolian Heritage Workshop