Istanbul: Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop with Tea & Sweets

Summary

Make your own Turkish lamp in Istanbul with tea, laughter and local stories

You’ll settle in with locals over Turkish tea and fresh delight sweets as you design your own mosaic lamp in Istanbul’s oldest workshop. With gentle guidance (and plenty of laughter), you’ll create something unique—even if you’re all thumbs—and walk away holding a real piece of the city’s color and warmth.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t think I’d care much about making a lamp in Istanbul—I mean, I’m not exactly crafty. But the second we walked into the workshop, it smelled like warm glass and something sweet (rosewater maybe?), and there was this soft chatter in Turkish that just made me feel… included. Our guide—her name was Elif—handed us little bowls of colored glass pieces and laughed when I tried to pronounce “çay” correctly. She said it’s just “chai,” but somehow my version made everyone at the table smile.

You sit around these big wooden tables with people from everywhere—one couple next to us was from Izmir, visiting family. Elif showed us how to lay out the patterns for our mosaic lamp, but honestly she let us mess up a bit before gently fixing things. The best part? You get proper Turkish tea (in those tiny tulip glasses) and these chewy cubes of Turkish delight dusted with powdered sugar. I got pistachio stuck to my fingers while trying to arrange my glass tiles—so yeah, my lamp has a little green smudge on it now.

It’s not quiet work; there’s music playing softly (I think it was Sezen Aksu?) and someone always laughing or asking for more glue. When the lamps started taking shape under the yellow afternoon light, everyone kind of paused to look around at what we’d made—mine looked lopsided but somehow perfect. Elif wrapped each lamp carefully in bubble wrap so we could take them home safely. Walking out into the street after that felt different—I kept glancing down at my hands like I’d brought a piece of Istanbul with me. Still do sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Create Turkish mosaic lamp

• Join mosaic lamp workshop
• Design lamp with colorful glass
• Follow step-by-step instructor guidance
• Enjoy traditional Turkish tea and delights
• Take home handmade lamp

Top questions

Is this mosaic lamp workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes, no experience is needed—guides help you step by step.

Are children allowed at the Istanbul mosaic lamp workshop?

Yes, it’s open to all ages and suitable for families or groups.

What is included in the mosaic lamp workshop?

All materials for making your lamp, hot drinks like tea, water, fresh Turkish delight, and protective packaging are included.

How long does the workshop last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but most sessions allow enough time to complete your lamp comfortably.

Do I get to keep my handmade mosaic lamp?

Yes—you take home your finished lamp as a keepsake.

Is there pickup service for this activity?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes—infants can attend in prams or strollers; service animals are also allowed.

Are private group bookings possible?

The workshop is ideal for private events or special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

What’s included

Your session includes all mosaic-making materials, step-by-step guidance from local instructors, unlimited hot drinks (like traditional Turkish tea), fresh Turkish delight snacks, water throughout the activity, plus careful protective packaging so you can carry your handmade lamp home safely—even if you’re clumsy like me.