Istanbul: Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop & Turkish Delights

Summary

Make your own mosaic lamp in Istanbul’s old town with local snacks and stories

You’ll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals in an Istanbul workshop as you piece together your own mosaic lamp, guided by gentle hands and warm smiles. Enjoy sweet Turkish tea and coffee while swapping stories over sticky fingers and colorful beads. Taste real Turkish Delight between laughs — then leave with your finished lamp wrapped up safe for home.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the clink of glass beads — not loud, but like tiny bells every time someone shifted their tray. We’d just stepped into the workshop near Istanbul’s old town, and honestly, I felt a bit out of place at first. The instructor (I think her name was Elif?) smiled and handed me a small cup of Turkish tea so sweet it almost made my teeth ache. She started talking about the history behind these mosaic lamps — apparently they’ve been making them here for centuries, which made me look at the shelves around us a little differently. The air smelled faintly of glue and something floral, maybe from the tea or just Istanbul itself.

I won’t pretend I’m good at crafts (my hands are usually all thumbs), but Elif was patient. She showed us how to lay out the geometric patterns on our glass globes — there were trays with more than thirty colors of beads and stones. Some people went for classic designs; I tried to make something that reminded me of the Bosphorus at sunset. My fingers got sticky with glue, and I dropped a bead or two (okay, more than two), but nobody minded. There was this older man across from me who kept humming softly while he worked — he said he’d come from Izmir just to do this workshop with his granddaughter.

While our lamps dried, we sat around sipping strong Turkish coffee and passing around plates of Turkish Delight. Someone asked about the best places to see in Istanbul besides Hagia Sophia; Elif rattled off a few neighborhoods most tourists never hear about. I tried saying “teşekkürler” properly — she laughed gently and corrected me (I still can’t get it right). It felt less like a class and more like hanging out in someone’s living room while everyone fumbled through their own little project.

When my lamp was finally ready, Elif helped assemble it with a soft click that felt oddly satisfying after all that waiting. They wrapped everything up carefully so nothing would break on the way home — even included an adapter for US plugs, which I hadn’t thought about at all. Walking back out into the street with my bag swinging by my side, I realized how much lighter I felt than when I’d walked in. Maybe it was just sugar from all that Turkish Delight, or maybe something else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Create Turkish Mosaic Lamp

• Arrive at workshop
• Attend orientation presentation
• Learn mosaic lamp techniques
• Create mosaic design on glass sphere
• Enjoy drinks and snacks
• Discuss Istanbul landmarks
• Assemble final lamp pieces

Top questions

How long does the Istanbul mosaic lamp workshop last?

The session typically lasts around 2-3 hours including drying time for your lamp.

Is prior experience needed for making a mosaic lamp?

No experience is needed; instructors guide you step by step through the process.

Are drinks or snacks included during the workshop?

Yes, you’ll be offered Turkish tea, coffee, and Turkish Delight during your visit.

What do I get to take home from this mosaic workshop?

You’ll take home your finished glass mosaic table lamp along with protective packaging and a US adapter if needed.

Is this activity suitable for children or families?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Where is the workshop located in Istanbul?

The workshop is located in Istanbul’s old town area, easily accessible by public transport.

Are all materials provided for making the lamp?

Yes, all necessary materials including glass globe, beads in 33+ colors, glue, gloves, lamp body and lid are provided.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes everything you need: a glass globe to decorate with over thirty colors of beads and stones; gloves so you don’t get too messy; strong glue; plus Turkish tea, coffee, and plenty of Turkish Delight to snack on while you work. When you’re done crafting your own table lamp (with LED bulb), they pack it up safely — even throwing in a US adapter if you need one before heading back out into Istanbul’s streets.