As you walk through the busy streets of Sultanahmet, there's a door just steps from Hagia Sophia that invites you into a completely different world: Caferağa Madrasa.
The moment you step through this door and leave the crowds behind, it feels like entering another dimension. A calm, spiritual atmosphere steeped in history welcomes you. 🌿 It's a true hidden gem for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul for a few hours!
Caferağa Madrasa was commissioned in 1559 from Mimar Sinan by Cafer Ağa, one of the palace officials of the Babüssaade (Gate of Felicity), during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. In other words, this beautiful building bears the signature of the greatest Ottoman architect.
Having survived to the present day through various restorations, the madrasa was restored in 1989 by the Turkish Cultural Service Foundation (Türk Kültürüne Hizmet Vakfı) and opened its doors to cultural and artistic activities. Today it serves as an art center where traditional Turkish arts are kept alive, taught and exhibited. 🎨
The madrasa is located in Sultanahmet, between Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. After visiting Hagia Sophia, you can easily reach it with a few minutes' walk.
‼️ Closed on Mondays.
👉 Tuesday – Sunday: 09:30 – 18:00
On public holidays, we recommend checking whether it's open before you go.
One of the loveliest things about Caferağa Madrasa is its peaceful courtyard. Here you can sip your tea or coffee to the sound of beautiful background music. 🎶
You can also buy food and drinks at the café inside the madrasa. If you're looking for a quiet spot in the heart of Istanbul where you can sit for hours with a book, you've found it. 📖☕
Caferağa Madrasa isn't just a place to visit; it's also an education center where you can learn traditional arts! Courses are offered in the madrasa's 15 workshops in the following fields:
🖌️ Wood painting
🪟 Glass painting
🏺 Çini (Turkish tile art)
🌊 Ebru (paper marbling)
🎸 Guitar
✒️ Hat (calligraphy)
✂️ Kat'ı (paper cutting art)
🧶 Felt making
👗 Fabric painting
🎀 Ribbon embroidery
💍 Jewelry making (goldsmithing)
🖼️ Miniature painting
🧩 Mosaic
🎵 Ney (reed flute)
📜 Ottoman Turkish
🍽️ Porcelain decoration
🎨 Painting
🏺 Ceramics
🖌️ Freehand brush painting
💧 Watercolor
📿 Jewelry design
✨ Tezhip (illumination)
🎶 Oud
If you're interested in traditional Turkish arts and want to pick up a new hobby, these courses are a wonderful opportunity! Contact the madrasa for information on registration, availability and class days.
🕌 To see a historic building bearing Mimar Sinan's signature
🌿 To escape the crowds of Sultanahmet and find some peace
☕ To enjoy tea or coffee in a historic courtyard with background music
🎨 To discover and learn traditional Turkish arts up close
On your next visit to Sultanahmet, be sure to stop by this hidden treasure right next to Hagia Sophia. The moment you step through the door, you'll understand exactly what we mean. ✨
YP YAZILIM