Turkish Delight Making Workshop / Cooking Class

5.0
(20 reviews)
Istanbul, Turkey

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1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Küçük Ayasofya Cami

Our workshop area is located inside the Cultural Center within the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque. Staff will greet you at the entrance at the time of the workshop

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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!

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
Supplied by Little Hagia Sophia

Tags

Cooking Classes
Candy Making Classes
Small Group
Food & Drink
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 20 20 reviews
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