Antalya Old Town: Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop & Tea

4.96

(132 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you can’t mess it up,” our instructor grinned, sliding a little bowl of glass beads closer to me. I’d already dropped two onto the floor — they make this tiny clink against the tiles that somehow makes everyone look over. We were right in Antalya’s old town, tucked into a studio that smelled faintly of glue and strong Turkish tea. The table was scattered with bowls of colored glass and metal lamp parts — I didn’t expect to feel so… careful with my hands. There was music playing low, something soft and familiar but I couldn’t name it.

Our guide (her name was Eda) explained how mosaic art came to Turkey ages ago, but honestly I got distracted by the way she pinched the beads between her fingers — so quick and sure. She said her family’s from Antalya for generations. I tried to copy her pattern but mine looked like a lopsided sun at first. Eda just laughed and showed me how to nudge things around until they fit together better. There’s something weirdly calming about lining up all those bright pieces, even if my fingertips got sticky from the glue.

I kept sipping hot tea (they refill your glass before you even notice it’s empty) and snacking on Turkish delight that stuck to my teeth in a good way. Someone else asked about bringing their lamp home — turns out they pack it up in this tough little bag so nothing breaks. By the end, we all took photos under these bright lights in the corner, holding up our wonky-but-proud creations. My lamp is on my desk now; sometimes when I switch it on at night I remember the sound of everyone laughing when someone knocked over a whole bowl of blue beads. It felt like being part of something small but real.