Cafer Ağa Madrasa

Cafer Ağa Medresesi is a beautifully preserved historic complex in Istanbul that combines traditional architecture with a lively cultural atmosphere. The medrese features a calm courtyard surrounded by small rooms that once served as student cells, reflecting classical Ottoman design. Today, the space hosts traditional craft workshops, including a manuscript illumination (gold leaf) workshop and a ceramics workshop, where visitors can observe and appreciate authentic Turkish arts. These workshops give the medrese a living, educational character rather than functioning solely as a historical site. Inside the han, there is also a cozy café with pleasant seating areas, making it an ideal place to relax, have tea or coffee, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the courtyard. The combination of craftsmanship, history, and social space creates a warm and inviting experience. Cafer Ağa Medresesi is a perfect destination for those interested in traditional arts, architecture, and quiet cultural environments in the heart of the city.

Such a lovely place to feel the history of İstanbul in the center of Hagia Sophia. It is like a secret place where you can have you coffe or tea with many different of sweets as well as food options. Reasonable prices are great for students who are willing to study.

Terrific - after a day of touring (ie walking) this was a very welcome rest stop, enjoying Turkish Tea in the courtyard of the “Caferaga Medresesi” a former Islamic school. It is quiet retreat, just steps from Hagia Sophia but a million miles away from the tourist rush. It has cafes, workshops in calligraphy, ceramics etc. A terrific spot to rest and recharge.

Caferağa Medresesi is a quiet retreat just steps from Hagia Sophia. Built by Sinan for Cafer Ağa, chief white eunuch of Sultan Süleiman’s court, its courtyard was levelled with a clever lower arcade of shops. Today it is managed by TKHV, hosting workshops in calligraphy, ceramics, and jewellery, while still retaining its historic purpose. We paused here for tea and su böreği – layered pastry with cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers – modest but satisfying. The setting, with arcades, study cells, and sunlight in the courtyard, makes this one of my favourite places to pause in the old city.

Nice place to take a drink after the castle visit. Quite and charming. You can also eat. I recommand the ravioli

The Cafer Aga Madrasa is historical building with a lot of rooms & middle open space, they do art, drawings & handcrafts activities here. There is a cafe, outdoor seating area & bathroom.

Calmest and coziest restaurant in the old town of Istanbul! We were so lucky to stumble upon this quiet oasis after the whole day of hectic sight-seeing 😮‍💨 The homey food is delicious and the portions as reasonable as their prices. We were positively surprised how the sellers were not pushy at all! Just hanging out with the guests and chatting casually 😌 We browsed a bit through the ateliers and purchased a small piece of art. If we visit Istanbul again one day, I would love to come back and participate in one of their day art courses (for example in marbling)! 🤩

Caferağa Madrasa was built by Mimar Sinan (Koca Sinan) in 1559 by Cafer Ağa, one of the Babüssaade aghas during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566). Our madrasah, which is included in the group of independent madrasahs and has reached the present day with repairs, was restored in 1989 by the Turkish Culture Service Foundation. Today; It serves as an art center where Traditional Turkish Arts are taught, produced and exhibited and hosting local and foreign guests with its 15 different art workshops, large hall and peaceful courtyard. Workshops At the Caferağa Madrasa, workshops are held in order to introduce, teach and disseminate Traditional Turkish Arts to new generations, to make correct productions and to train new artists. Our madrasa is the point where art comes to life in the historical space with its Traditional Turkish Arts and Music studies.