Turkish Delight & Aromatherapy
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
In our cultural space located within Little Hagia Sophia, we bring together two elegant traditions of Istanbul: lokum, a symbol of Ottoman culinary culture, and aromatherapy blends inspired by the spice heritage of the Silk Road.
In this 3-hour hands-on experience, participants will: Learn to make Turkish delight using traditional methods; Explore the historical journey of spices and herbal extracts; Prepare their own blends using traditional distillation methods; and take their creations home.
This program is more than just a workshop; it's a cultural journey through taste, smell, and stories about Istanbul.
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
Turkish Delight & Aromatherapy
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing!
YasPat2,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience & the 2 hosts are such lovely people! Would definitely come back again
Very good
Safari19761139324,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience! The aromatherapy workshop was informative, fun, and very professional. The host was incredibly kind and attentive, making sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged throughout the session. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours in Istanbul. Highly recommended!
Sweet workshop spiced with tales
966crinab,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful experience that we could learn how to make "turkish delight". Everything spiced with less known stories about old times of Istambul and the history of the place. I warmly recommend to take this workshop.
A special and enriching experience!
M9392ZS ,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A special and enriching experience! A high-level aromatherapy oil preparation workshop, with a knowledgeable, professional and fascinating person. A perfect combination of learning, scents, creation and connection to nature. An authentic experience and highly recommended for tourists looking for something local, deep and different from the usual. I left with knowledge, a personal oil and a wonderful memory from the visit.
No word can express
Tourist08498896105,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00No word can express it was wonderful and full of benefits. I found it over than my expectations. Mr. Buğra is knowledgeable about everything and no need to ask anything. Thank you so much again Mr. Buğra
Making Turkish delight in Istanbul
terryandcaroliner,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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
5.00Would 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
5.00The 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
5.00This 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!
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Operated by Little Hagia Sophia