Aromatherapy Botanical Distillation & Hydrosol Workshop

One of the true highlights of our time in Istanbul. I highly recommend this! Bugra’s steam-distillation workshop at Little Hagia Sophia was hands-down one of the best times of our trip. From the moment we met over a perfectly foamy Turkish coffee, he made us feel like old friends rather than tour guests. Before we even lit the still, he gave us a mini walking tour—sharing the mosque’s layered history, pointing out hidden architectural quirks, and introducing us to the artists who now fill the courtyard with color and music. Back in the workshop we traded coffee cups for tea glasses and got down to business: 400 g of fresh lavender went into the copper still, and—like magic—about 400 mL of beautifully fragrant lavender water plus a precious 10 mL of pure oil came out. Bugra’s explanations were clear, nerdy in the best way, and sprinkled with fun stories. We left loaded down with goodies: two dainty bottles of lavender hydrosol, another of the pure oiil, a bar each of rose and lavender soap, and matching glass evil-eye charms that will definitely get prime shelf space at home. It was an intimate, hands-on experience that felt equal parts science lesson, history class, and afternoon hangout with a friend. If you’re even remotely curious about essential oils—or just want a truly authentic Istanbul memory—book this workshop. Bugra’s passion is contagious and you’ll walk away smelling amazing!

Among all the shops in the premises, this one prevails over the others. What they can do with the natural ingredients and special recipe is amazing indeed.

非常漂亮舒服的花园，这里是远离游客区的一片安静的地方，你可以在这里享受一杯茶，而且价格比其他地方都便宜，院子里还有甜美的枇杷树，这片区域现在是一些艺术家和手工艺人的工作室，也是非常意外的发现！这片区域的历史也很久了，以前就被称为学者巷 The garden is very beautiful and comfortable. This is a quiet place far from the tourist area. You can enjoy a cup of tea here, and the price is cheaper than other places. There are also sweet loquat trees in the yard. This area is now the studios of some artists and craftsmen, which is also a very unexpected discovery! This area has a long history. It used to be known as Scholar's Lane.

Bura is amazing , the school and mosque beautiful and full of history, beautiful people, light and a lot of love in what they do. Memorable.

Captain Burgo was EXCELLENT! he was very excited preparing and showing us the technique process of fussing lavender into essential oil. He also did a great job explaining the history of Little Hagia Sophia prior to the aromatic presentation. I sincerely recommend this tour which focuses more on health and cleansing of the body and mind.