Istanbul: Perfume Workshop by Hagia Sophia with Rumi Film

If you’re exploring Istanbul and fancy adding a creative, soulful twist to your trip, this perfume workshop might just be the right fit. Set just a few steps from the iconic Hagia Sophia, this experience combines storytelling, music, and scent into a single, calming session. It’s designed to be a meditative escape from the busy streets, giving you a chance to connect with the city’s spiritual and aromatic heritage.

What we really appreciate about this workshop is how it balances education with hands-on fun. You get to watch a short film about Rumis, which sets the tone for reflection and love — themes that resonate deeply in Turkish culture. Plus, the Sufi-inspired bendir rhythm exercise is a surprisingly invigorating way to awaken your senses before creating your signature fragrance. On top of that, you’ll leave with a personalized bottle of perfume, a tangible souvenir of your Istanbul journey.

One thing to keep in mind is that this workshop runs for just about an hour, making it a quick but meaningful addition to your sightseeing day. It’s especially suitable for those interested in cultural stories, aromatherapy, or simply wanting a memorable, creative activity. However, children under 5 might find it a bit too slow-paced or quiet, so plan accordingly. Overall, if you’re after a relaxing, inspiring experience that’s also highly rated, this one checks many boxes.

Key Points

• Cultural connection: Combines a Rumi film and Sufi rhythm exercise for a soulful introduction.
• Hands-on creativity: Make your own signature perfume guided by expert perfumers.
• Meaningful souvenirs: Take home a personalized fragrance in an elegant bottle.
• Location advantage: Just steps from Hagia Sophia, ideal for combining with sightseeing.
• Small groups: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, suitable for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Perfume Workshop

When you sign up for this one-hour experience, you’re signing up for more than just perfume-making. It’s a blend of storytelling, music, and craft, all aimed at awakening your senses and connecting you with the deep spiritual tradition of Rumis and Sufism.

Start with a short film about Rumis — a visual journey into his story of love and unity. This film isn’t just a background video; it sets the mood for the entire session, inviting you to reflect on inner peace and harmony while inspiring your scent creation.

Next, you’ll experience a Sufi-inspired bendir rhythm exercise. The bendir is a traditional percussion instrument, and its gentle beats combined with breathing exercises help you tune into your senses. This step isn’t just a warm-up; it’s a way to center yourself before the creative part of the workshop. Many reviewers mention how calming and meaningful this part feels, setting a meditative tone.

Once your mind and senses are alert and engaged, it’s time to create your own fragrance. Guided by professional perfumers, you’ll select from natural essences symbolizing concepts like peace, joy, passion, and balance. The process isn’t just about blending scents — it’s about crafting a fragrance that reflects your personality or mood. The experts will help you understand the symbolic meanings behind each scent, adding depth to your creation.

Throughout this process, the atmosphere remains inspiring and relaxed. Participants often remark on how the experience exceeds expectations, with one reviewer stating, “I built my own personal perfume and loved it.” The guidance from knowledgeable perfumers ensures that even beginners can produce something they’re proud of.

At the end, you’ll bottle your perfume in an elegant container to take home. This isn’t a small sample — it’s a full, personalized fragrance you can wear or gift. Many find this to be a meaningful souvenir, a tangible reminder of their time in Istanbul.

Bonus: As a workshop guest, you’ll also receive a discounted ticket for the Legends of Istanbul Live Show — a nice perk if you’re interested in immersing yourself further in Istanbul’s cultural scene.

The Location and Meeting Details

The workshop takes place in a charming, historic mansion right beside the Basilica Cistern — a location that adds to the experience’s authenticity. Look for a building with decorative wooden details and a small sign for Legends of Istanbul. Your host will be waiting at the entrance to greet you.

Coordinates (41.009239196777344, 28.97846221923828) make it easy to find if you’re using a map app. The site is wheelchair accessible, making it a welcoming spot for most travelers.

Experience Value and Practical Info

This experience lasts about an hour, making it easy to slot into a busy sightseeing day. The small group size (limited to 10) ensures personalized attention, and the English-speaking instructor makes everything easy to follow.

Price-wise, expect it to be well worth the cost, especially considering you leave with a full bottle of perfume. Reviewers consistently note the good value for money — many mention how they built a perfume they loved and found the experience to be more meaningful than expected.

Cancellation is flexible — you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund — and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy for planning your trip.

Who Is This Tour For?

If you’re curious about Turkish culture, spiritual traditions, or perfumery, this workshop offers an engaging way to explore those themes. It’s ideal for those wanting a creative, meditative activity that’s short but impactful. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy storytelling, music, and hands-on experiences.

However, keep in mind that the experience is quite tranquil and may not be ideal for very young children or those seeking a high-energy activity. It’s more about reflection and connection than adventure or physical activity.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

This perfume workshop near Hagia Sophia offers a unique blend of culture, creativity, and calm. The combination of a Rumi film, Sufi rhythm exercises, and scent blending makes for a memorable, soulful experience. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and craft something personal — perfect for anyone looking to add a meaningful story to their Istanbul trip.

The fact that it’s small, personal, and located right in the heart of the historic peninsula makes it all the more appealing. Plus, with many positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and stunning views, it’s clear this experience resonates with travelers seeking authenticity and inspiration.

If you’re after an activity that’s different from typical sightseeing — one that invites you to connect with Istanbul’s spiritual and aromatic traditions — this workshop is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this workshop suitable for children?
Not for children under 5 years old. The experience is somewhat quiet and meditative, so younger kids might not find it engaging or comfortable.

How long does the workshop last?
It lasts about an hour, making it a manageable break from sightseeing.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Just wear comfortable clothes. The session is relaxed and doesn’t require special preparation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility.

Is the location easy to find?
Yes, it’s right beside the Basilica Cistern, in a historic mansion with wooden details. Coordinates are provided for easy navigation.

Will I learn about perfumes or just make one?
You’ll learn about the symbolic meanings of natural essences and the art of blending them into your own fragrance, guided by experts.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the workshop is accessible for wheelchairs, making it inclusive for most travelers.

This perfume workshop offers a thoughtful, creative break during your Istanbul travels. Whether you’re into scent, spirituality, or simply want a unique souvenir, it’s a charming experience that many travelers find rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here: