As a great admirer of art, I was astounded at the grand variety of Ottoman art that can be seen all around this fantastic city! Nothing, however, captured my eye and my heart as much as the water marbling or 'Ebru' at the Medresesi! It was absolutely the best part of my trip to Istanbul when Coşkun Uzunkaya showed us... More

During a weekend stay in Istanbul in November 2011 I stumbled over this cafe/art academy/art shop close to Haggia Sofia, and was taken in by the beauty and quality of the art on display. This is a far cry from the usual street vendor kitsch. The art is produced using traditional methods. So If you are looking for something authentically... More

I've been visiting Istanbul for few weeks and the other day I went to Caferaga Medresesi. First time in my life I've seen painting on the water and it was really new experience to me. The owner was extremely nice and friendly. I recommend visiting him!

I'm currently spending some months in Istanbul and Friday is my most-awaited-arts-day. I take Ebru and Painting classes at Caferaga Medresesi, a 16th century Koranic school, where children were taught the Koran by heart. The building itself is another beautiful example of the work of Mimar (architect) Sinan and should be on the list of any any architecture lover in... More

Whether you have time for a class or just a cup of tea in the Caferaga Medresesi and a visit to the gallery to discover local artists, make sure that you stop by this unique artists' hideaway tucked just below the Hagia Sofia. We stumbled upon the art gallery just above the Caferaga Medresesi on our first visit to Istanbul.... More

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... More

Despite being almost adjacent to the Ayasofya, this place is a little hard to find, but it should not be missed when visiting Sultanahmet. Both the Caferaga Medresesi and the Turkish Art Gallery (Câferiye Tekkesi) are supported by the Turkish Cultural Service Foundation, and you can find wonderful arts and crafts there, and actually see how these traditional works are... More

That's a very interesting experience to visit this place. the school is very quite and perfect to take a tea!The atmosphere is peaceful. I recommend the Gallery and in particular his proprietor Josh ! you will find beautiful art and Josh can explain you in a very soft atmosphere the Turkish ebru technique. So don't leave Istanbul without visiting Caferaga... More

We discovered Caferaga Medresesi and particularly its art gallery thanks to an enthusiastic mention in "John Freely's Istanbul", where he recommends this secluded oasis near the Hagia Sophia as a way to understand the city as it existed in less hectic times. It became one of our favorite spots in Istanbul, to which we returned several times to look at... More