About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I've spent a decade watching "authentic" experiences turn into assembly lines where the RevPAR matters more than the actual guest. Most workshops in Antalya’s Old Town are just retail shops in disguise, trying to upsell you a mass-produced rug while you glue glass to a jar. But every so often, a lead comes across my desk that actually feels like the real deal. This mosaic workshop isn't trying to be a corporate "experiential luxury" brand; it’s a group of locals in Kaleiçi who are sick of the fabric-based, cheap lamp kits flooding the market. They’re using actual handmade metal and transparent beads that don't choke the light out of the bulb. If you’re tired of the sanitized, over-polished tourist traps, this little corner of the Old Town is where you go to actually get your hands dirty with some history.
About the Tour
If you find yourself wandering the narrow, cobblestone streets of Kaleiçi (the historic heart of Antalya), you’re only a three-minute stroll from the iconic Hadrian’s Gate and the Clock Tower. Tucked away here is a workshop that rejects the "fast-travel" lifestyle in favor of a 1.5 to 2-hour dive into Anatolian artistry.
What to Expect
This isn't a passive lecture. You’ll be greeted by a team of 100% Antalya locals—people who actually live and breathe the city’s culture. After a brief introduction to the history of Turkish mosaic art, you'll dive straight into the craft.
- Premium Materials: Unlike many "tourist-tier" workshops that use fabric-based lamp parts, these lamps feature handmade metal bases.
- The Palette: You have full creative control. Choose from a massive variety of glass tiles and beads. A key detail: the beads are mostly transparent, ensuring that when you finally plug it in at home, the light actually shines through with a vibrant glow.
- The Vibe: The atmosphere is kept intentionaly relaxed. Think unlimited Turkish tea, local snacks, and a background of pleasant music to keep the creative juices flowing.
The Process
- Design: Select your patterns, colors, and figures.
- Assembly: Learn the specific techniques used to set Turkish mosaics.
- Capture: Once your masterpiece is finished, there’s a dedicated photography area to get that perfect shot for your feed.
- Transport: No need to worry about the flight home. Your lamp or candle holder is packed in protective nylon and a sturdy, hard-material cardboard bag designed for travel.
Why This One?
In an industry where many photos are "borrowed" from stock libraries, this team prides itself on transparency. The photos you see are real, taken inside their actual office. Whether you're a solo traveler or a big group looking for a communal activity, they have the occupancy capacity to host you without it feeling crowded. It's a genuine slice of Antalya, run by the people who know it best.
Highlights
- Learn about the history of mosaic art in Turkey from a local guide
- Create your own mosaic lamp or candle holder and take it home with you
- Choose the figures, color combinations, and designs for your lamp
- Enjoy unlimited water, Turkish tea, and snacks as you work
- Take a video and photos of your lamp in the photography area of the workshop
Know before you go
- The workshop is located in the old town of Antalya
- You will take your finished lamp home with you