Caferaga Medresesi
Caferaga Medresesi
4.5
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
With so many unmissable attractions within a mere stroll of each other – and all set around the site of an ancient Byzantine hippodrome – Sultanahmet is an overwhelmingly popular tourist destination, and a prime location for visitors to be wowed on a truly epic scale. Beyond the wonders of the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more, this relatively small area of Istanbul somehow manages to retain an air of peace and calm. It offers visitors a significantly less celebrated but nonetheless pleasant network of quaint lanes and side streets, majestic panoramas of the Bosphorus, and an impressive assortment of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles346 reviews
Excellent
232
Very good
86
Average
22
Poor
5
Terrible
1

grafix65
Lincoln, UK110 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles

After we had visited the courtyard to view the artists and students at work we made our way to the art gallery, where, we were made most welcome by "Josh". Josh demonstrated his mastery of marbling to us  then allowed us to examine some of the other artists and students hand made objects and crafts. This is a "Must" area to visit after the hustle and bustle of the other sights found in and around Sultanahmet.
Grant & Maggie (UK)
Written 28 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Susan M
Edinburgh, UK10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2011 • Friends
Find directions to Caferaga Medresesi, near Aya Sofia, and you will be enchanted when you find yourself in an open courtyard set up with tables and lined with craft workshops and rooms displaying ceramics, jewelry, and works of art.

This is indeed, as others have mentioned, an oasis in the city of Istanbul. We couldn’t resist the delicious Turkish coffee and biscuits before strolling into each room to admire the wares.

Perhaps as you’re looking at beautifully decorated plates and bowls, Coskun, who tells you to call him Josh, will speak with you and invite you to the shop on the street at the top of the passage to the courtyard. There you’ll find Josh happily talking about the workshops and the process of marble painting at which he is an expert. If asked, Josh will demonstrate the marble painting technique and it is a treat to watch him create beautiful designs.

Josh also encouraged me to try my hand at marble painting and he walked me through each step. Needless to say, my finished product was certainly that of an amateur, but I did want to keep it. As it was too wet, we returned the next day to pick it up. What had been a fair painting was enhanced by Josh’s calligraphy in the middle of the piece. It was lovely and very thoughtful of him to do this.

We returned to Caferaga Medresesi three times in the four days we were in Istanbul. It was close to our hotel and we just enjoyed the atmosphere. We purchased two pieces of art work and several ceramic bowls and plates. Prices were reasonable, especially with a discount for paying in cash. Our treasures from our visits remind us of the warm welcome we received and the attention given to us by Josh.

Although the Spice Bazaar is wonderful and an experience not to be missed, I highly recommend a trip to Caferaga Medresesi where you can purchase items and support the workshops at the same time.
Written 2 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DrErickson
Houston, TX2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2011
It was an amazing experience. I thought I was lost and then found this place called " Caferaga Medrese" it's an educational foundation that teaches the local authentic/historical handmade art. There is a gift shop also that you can buy the original art as well. I met with Josh (Coshkun) who gave us a tour and even showed how to make water marbling and calligraphy. Never seen anybody that talented, woaw. We spend time at the small cafetiere inside the garden and watched some meditation classes. We literally lost track of time in this place. My kids learned a lot here and my wife shopped a lot ( did not even need to break the piggy bank) Everything was very modest and reasonable, very honest and hospital people. definite must see, thumbs up,,, DrErickson
Written 13 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brenda Z
Oakville, Canada5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2011 • Friends
Coskun (Josh) was our host at this Turkish Handicrafts Centre. He is very proud of the artists and the heritage of Turkish art that is demonstrated and supported by this foundation. The school teaches people from around the world. The crafts include painting ceramics, marbling (painting on water), calligraphy, jewellery making, miniature painting, tiles, and others. While we were there, the classes were not on but we had a chance to tour the school and watch demonstrations of marbling and calligraphy. We then had the opportunity to try these ourselves. Josh was very encouraging... even if our skills left a lot to be desired. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
We would highly recommend this activity for those who want to both learn and experience traditional Turkish handicrafts. Best of all this is a not-for-profit foundation supporting the arts.
Brenda and Jill
Written 30 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LeonGr
Piraeus, Greece278 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2014 • Friends
Having visited many Islamic countries, I always wanted to find and buy these of small paintings (called Miniatures) it was as usual in the Qur'an and depict scenes from the life of the sultans. This is the art of drawing very detailed paintings of social events while mixing watercolor with silver and gold. Origins of this art form date as far back as the 11th century. After a little research I learned the best miniatures they make in Istanbul. When I arrived in the city started looking to find (of course I could not buy an old authentic miniature because I did not want to devote so much money) so i had to settle with something contemporary. In the guide book I had with me , I read about a school "Caferaga Medresesi" that is on the side of Hagia Sophia and had made by Mimar Sinan , was a major architect of the Ottoman Sultan Süleyman. The guide say there you can make lessons in calligraphy , miniatures , jewelry , etc. and you can buy that you wanted. Of course throughout the city are all of the above but you have to be careful to find something handmade , not print . Not to bore you, i found that i want a very beautiful mianiature by Inci Kerimoglou, its a lady about 70 years old (as a Graphic Designer and Painter for my taste her work it was the best). The Medresesi it is very beautiful with a nice patio so you can drink a nice turkish coffee, the stuff is very polite and very helpful. Of course before the "Caferaga Medresesi", is the Gallery that expose the artists of the school their artworks and from there you can buy. The gallery is operated by "Josh" Coşkun Uzunkaya, who is an artist and a teacher at the "Caferaga Medresesi". I highly recommend.
Written 16 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EstebanBR
Island of Hawaii, HI33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2014 • Couples
anybody to Istanbul recently knows it is packed with tourists... we strayed off the massive lines in front of the Hagia Sophia and did an art class here with Josh. The place is so cute and authentic, if you have an artistic bone in your body and want to do something more interactive than staring at art or the inside of a building try this out. we did the ebru class or Ottoman art of marbling and got to take home 5-6 pieces we did and a few much better ones done by the super passionate and adorable teacher.
Written 11 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nelsonferreira
London, United Kingdom4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2012 • Solo
Went to Caferaga Medresesi, a school from 1559 where İ learnt the Persian/Turkish ebru marbling technique (which İ stronly recommend that you should try for a more exotic trip to Istanbul) as well as painting on ceramics and glass.

İn the art gallery you will find beautiful art done by professional artists, unlike touristy bazzaars. Josh was very helpful since day 1 and explained to me all the subtleties of the craft. He's also incredibly skilled in marbling and calligraphy. Please visit him if you want to learn more about Turkey and it's art.
Written 27 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alma037
Bremen, Germany2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2011 • Friends
In the past, I have noticed that when I find myself in an unfamiliar place, it takes some time for me to develop a sense of orientation and spatial recognition. More often than not I settle for a central spot, a point to start from and to return to, while exploring the nearby vicinity. Caferağa Medresesi, a local Turkish Handicraft Centre, located in the central Sultanahmet quarter, was this place for me on my very first visit to Istanbul in July 2011. I was fortunate enough to discover the Caferağa, conveniently placed in a street just below the Aya Sofia, on my very first evening, thus giving me the opportunity to return on numerous occasions to the shady alcoves that encircle the centre of the courtyard. Each alcove contains a lovingly preserved workshop, a space where traditional Turkish arts and crafts such as paper marbling, miniature painting, tile and ceramics painting, needlework as well as encounters with traditional folk instruments in form of Ney flute lessons are still taught and practiced.

Most fondly I will however remember the nearby gallery of Coşkun Uzunkaya, who with great generosity of heart and mind introduced a group of visitors to the art of ebru or, paper marbling, a method of aqueous surface design. Most people including myself had never encountered ebru before. In the gallery, where melancholic sounds of traditional Turkish music floated through a space filled with various items of ceramics, Islamic calligraphy, jewellery, tapestry and colourful fabrics, all for sale, each moment of artistic creation turned into an performance act which left visitors and customers equally enchanted. I am grateful for the existence of such places as they preserve and transmit long established forms of artistic expressions which are part of the Turkish cultural heritage.
Written 3 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Saarch
Washington DC, DC1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2011 • Solo
Hidden behind Hagia Sophia, it's a beautiful place with a timeless appeal. It's tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of Sultanahmet square. It's a present day art school, workshop, gallery, and a small cafeteria that serves good food. If you're looking for some authentic and traditional art pieces this is the place to go. The person in charge of Caferaga Medresesi was Coskun who explained about the school's beginnings and its current programs passionately. He was very welcoming and warm. Coskun demonstrated the process of paper marbling which was splendid and I recommend should not be missed. The school was built by the famous architect Sinan and it still exists in it's original condition which is very well maintained. It has a very nice outdoor sitting area and courtyard where the food is and refreshments are served. It's one of my top favorite spots in Istanbul.
Written 20 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

retepretep
Tinos1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2010
I first learned about Caferaga Medresesi when I met COSKUN UZUNKAYA in Istanbul. This very friendly guy, who speaks very good English, took me there several times. I made firends there, ate well, purchased souvenirs which I treasure. I always make a point of going back there when I'm in Istanbul and I very much advise you to do the same!
Written 12 February 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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