C.I.P Cultural Interactions Point
C.I.P Cultural Interactions Point
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
C.I.P Cultural Interactions Point is a cultural center for visitors of Istanbul. People from various countries can get to know and understand the Turkish culture by cross-cultural interactions at the C.I.P. Visitors can immerse into the Turkish local culture with workshops, lectures, courses, presentations, cooking classes and interactions offered at the C.I.P. At the C.I.P, there is always an activity everyday. You can also ask for your own private workshops. The C.I.P is located in the city center near Taksim Square. At C.I.P, experiencing Turkish cultural heritage is possible through a wide variety of activities such as workshops of Turkish art of marbling, calligraphy, illumination, miniature painting, making and playing the Sufi music instrument ney (end-blown flute), book binding, traditional archery-arrow decorating, belly dancing classes, cooking classes and whirling dance trials and Q&As with whirling dervishes, coffee cup reading classes, etc.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Beyoglu
Istanbul’s most famous street, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), throbs day and night and offers a fantastic array of architectural sights, shops, treats, and throngs upon teeming throngs of people. At the avenue’s northeastern end is expansive Taksim Square, thought by many to be the very heart of the city, with many of Turkey’s most renowned restaurants and some of Europe’s most happening nightlife in close proximity. In striking contrast, Beyoglu’s less trafficked areas – such as the affluent Cihangir and the antiques district of Cukurcuma – exude Old World charm and provide contemplative calm and splendid diversion via an assortment of cozy cafes, attractive boutiques, and quiet lanes.
How to get there
- Taksim • 7 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
silviadalborgo
Cagliari, Italy7 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
I was in Istanbul in January 2015. I make a very interesting workshop: "Calligraphy Workshop. The people were very professional and nice. Also the place is very interesting.
I suggest to visit them!
I suggest to visit them!
Written October 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much. Hope to see you again in another workshop.
Written March 22, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mariafrangieh
Beirut, Lebanon218 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
I have this constant urge of trying something traditional yet new to me when I am traveling. It happened I was in Istanbul with mom when I found out about the Ebru workshops and decided it’s art time! If you are wondering, yes, mom also attended the workshop. It was a very cool experience.
I booked a private session for two at the CIP Cultural Interactions Point – Istanbul, Turkey. Serif was very helpful and extremely responsive to my emails. The CIP was within a 5 min walk from Taksim Square. Serif and Fatma were waiting for us. We were overwhelmed by the warm welcome we received when we arrived. We were seated on a large table where the Ebru equipment and materials were carefully placed. That tray full of liquid is definitely eye catching.
Fatma demonstrated the technique while Serif gave us a historical overview and commented on every step Fatma was doing.
It was really fun learning about the Turkish art of marbling, Ebru. Serif and Fatma made it even more enjoyable. It was the first time I ever use this technique, mom as well and we both completed our very own first Ebru, yey.
So if you are in Istanbul or planning a trip to Istanbul? Add this 2 hours activity to your schedule. This workshop is a must, especially if you love art and colors! The whole experience is unique. Get your hands dirty and bring out the artist in you.
The workshop offers classes for adult and children older than 5 years old. Regular workshops are held Fridays between 1:00 and 3:00 pm. You can always request a private course. It is priced for $45.00 USD per person and it includes using the equipment and materials, tea, coffee and cookies and two sheets with your artwork to take home. During the workshop, you will get acquainted with the art of Ebru in a very short period of time, and design your own Ebru artwork. You will take home the artwork done during the workshop. Since the artwork needs to dry you will have to pass the next day to get your final artwork. Isn’t it a great souvenir to take home?
There are other workshops you can also try, check out the website of CIP for more info.
Need more info? Read more about my experience on my blog mariafrangiehdotcom Travel section.
I booked a private session for two at the CIP Cultural Interactions Point – Istanbul, Turkey. Serif was very helpful and extremely responsive to my emails. The CIP was within a 5 min walk from Taksim Square. Serif and Fatma were waiting for us. We were overwhelmed by the warm welcome we received when we arrived. We were seated on a large table where the Ebru equipment and materials were carefully placed. That tray full of liquid is definitely eye catching.
Fatma demonstrated the technique while Serif gave us a historical overview and commented on every step Fatma was doing.
It was really fun learning about the Turkish art of marbling, Ebru. Serif and Fatma made it even more enjoyable. It was the first time I ever use this technique, mom as well and we both completed our very own first Ebru, yey.
So if you are in Istanbul or planning a trip to Istanbul? Add this 2 hours activity to your schedule. This workshop is a must, especially if you love art and colors! The whole experience is unique. Get your hands dirty and bring out the artist in you.
The workshop offers classes for adult and children older than 5 years old. Regular workshops are held Fridays between 1:00 and 3:00 pm. You can always request a private course. It is priced for $45.00 USD per person and it includes using the equipment and materials, tea, coffee and cookies and two sheets with your artwork to take home. During the workshop, you will get acquainted with the art of Ebru in a very short period of time, and design your own Ebru artwork. You will take home the artwork done during the workshop. Since the artwork needs to dry you will have to pass the next day to get your final artwork. Isn’t it a great souvenir to take home?
There are other workshops you can also try, check out the website of CIP for more info.
Need more info? Read more about my experience on my blog mariafrangiehdotcom Travel section.
Written November 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Maria, this art could not be explained in a better way. Thank you so much for joining our workshop and sharing all of these beautiful words.
Written November 30, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dawn1128
Rocklin, CA3 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
This is a wonderful experience for families and singles to learn about Turkish culture.
We had a wonderful time at the hands on seminars and totally enjoyed our time there.
We recommend this to families with children or anyone who wants to learn and have loads of fun while learning about the rich culture of the Turkish people.
We had a wonderful time at the hands on seminars and totally enjoyed our time there.
We recommend this to families with children or anyone who wants to learn and have loads of fun while learning about the rich culture of the Turkish people.
Written September 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing your views Dawn. It was great to welcome you in our workshop. Are you still keeping the art piece that you created on your own?
Written September 30, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MSBWC
New York City, NY2 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
Recently, I spent a wonderful morning at CIP learning about a traditional Turkish art technique called Ebru which creates beautiful marbling effects and floral designs on paper. I loved having the opportunity to create my own Ebru art as well.
I knew nothing about Ebru beforehand and found that Serif, his wife, and a local Ebru artist ran a very well structured and professional workshop. The session enabled all of us participants to enjoy a wonderful few hours creating our own masterpieces in a very relaxing setting. Highly recommended!
I knew nothing about Ebru beforehand and found that Serif, his wife, and a local Ebru artist ran a very well structured and professional workshop. The session enabled all of us participants to enjoy a wonderful few hours creating our own masterpieces in a very relaxing setting. Highly recommended!
Written December 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your review. It has been a great pleasure for us. Hope to meet you at other workshops. We have plenty.
Written December 16, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura B
3 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
If like me you are interested in the Whirling Dervish then this workshop at the CIP is for you. We were told about the history of the order, watched a Dervish perform and got the chance to ask him and the musician any questions. The best bit for me was being instructed how to whirl by the Dervish - and it's not as easy as it looks! I will definitely be attended future classes at the centre.
Written December 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Laura, thanks a lot for your review. We appreciate it. We are glad to hear that you have enjoyed our workshop with the whirling dervihes. We hope to cross our paths again on our other activities.
Written December 4, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Denise D
1 contribution
Dec 2016 • Friends
What an enjoyable workshop; a great evening out with friends. The workshop consists of a short presentation, a brief history of the Whirling Dervish movement, 2 demonstrations of Whirling Dervish dancer and musician, a Q & A session with the Dervishes and finally a chance to have a go to release your inner Dervish!! You may have seen a Dervish show but this workshop allows interaction with them and to ask questions on a more personal level. I will definitely be back for more CIP workshops/events.
Written December 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Denise, thank you so much for taking the time to share your views here on Trip Advisor. We are so glad with your participation. Your interest in learning about the whirling dervishes made the sufis more enthusiastic abou the workshop. Thanks a lot! Hope to meet you on other workshops like crafts or food and wine related workshops.
Written December 4, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna S
8 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
It is my pleasure to share the experience as I really enjoyed the workshop at C.I.P Cultural Interactions Point. Our teacher was Tüzin Tiryaki, experienced Ebru art teacher.
Ebru workshop included an introduction and a practical part. I was able to make two Ebru drawings and take them home and planning to frame them - they look really nice.
2 hours passed very quickly, it was really engaging.
The manager of the place, Serif Yenen, is very nice and he speaks good English so he translated for participants. It is important as in Istanbul finding an English-speaking workshop might be a challenge.
The CIP is located in one of the central areas of Istanbul, so it was very convenient and easy to find. There is a parking nearby in case you are driving. The workshop studio itself is very clean, nicely organised, we were offered tea and coffee and felt very welcomed.
It was fun and easy and I am definitely in for more workshops at CIP!
Ebru workshop included an introduction and a practical part. I was able to make two Ebru drawings and take them home and planning to frame them - they look really nice.
2 hours passed very quickly, it was really engaging.
The manager of the place, Serif Yenen, is very nice and he speaks good English so he translated for participants. It is important as in Istanbul finding an English-speaking workshop might be a challenge.
The CIP is located in one of the central areas of Istanbul, so it was very convenient and easy to find. There is a parking nearby in case you are driving. The workshop studio itself is very clean, nicely organised, we were offered tea and coffee and felt very welcomed.
It was fun and easy and I am definitely in for more workshops at CIP!
Written November 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Anna, it was a great pleasure to welcome you in our place. I cannot describe our joy enough in escorting our guests while they discover their artist within. You are welcome to join us anytime also with other workshops. Thanks for sharing your views.
Written November 30, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie B
New York City, NY4 contributions
Feb 2016 • Business
Serif Yenen is a country-renowned tour guide who has given a gift to Istanbul with CIP Cultural Interactions Point. Located on a charming street in the Cihangir neighborhood, the space is in a beautiful old building with so much character.
Serif and his team offer various cultural events and experiences - we had the pleasure of learning about ebru, the Turkish art of marbling. It was a peaceful, interesting experience and we were able to take home our beautiful souvenirs. If you are planning a visit to Istanbul (and you should!) and want to avoid tourist traps but still learn about Turkish culture, you must visit CIP.
Serif and his team offer various cultural events and experiences - we had the pleasure of learning about ebru, the Turkish art of marbling. It was a peaceful, interesting experience and we were able to take home our beautiful souvenirs. If you are planning a visit to Istanbul (and you should!) and want to avoid tourist traps but still learn about Turkish culture, you must visit CIP.
Written March 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful words Julie. Turkish culture is so rich and we have lots of interesting features in our culture to share with our guests. We were all glad to welcome you in our workshop.
Written March 22, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Isil Y
ISTANBUL9 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
Every year our boss surprises us with a different venue to celebrate the coming year. This year we visited Serif Yenen's office where each of us experienced the art of paper-marbling aka "ebru". Not only were we welcomed as if we were guests in a house but the the highly knowledgeable instructor was patient with each 15 of us. We were able to make our own ebru and also had the chance to learn the history behind this magic art. I definitely suggest that you drop a visit when you are in Istanbul; very centraly located in Taksim and as Serif Yenen helps experience different activities on regular basis, you will definitely come across a beauty of our culture that will absolutely be a memorable one in your life...
Written February 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Isil Yalcin,
Thank you so much for your very nice review.
Hope to meet you again.
Written March 22, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie B
St. John's, Canada2 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
I did the ebru workshop and it was fantastic! The instructor was very knowledgeable and patient with me. I was the only student and had so much fun. I am a visual artist but had never done ebru before. What a great way to know more about Turkey's artistic traditions. Thank you!
Written December 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Natalie,
You were very lucky not to have other participants during your session. So it has turned out to be like a private lesson. We were happy to welcome you.
Thanks.
Written March 22, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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