Top Selçuk Classes & Workshops: Expert Reviews & Insights

Selçuk, fairly close to the popular ancient city of Ephesus, it’s almost like it isn’t just a place loaded with history. It’s that place where you might find some amazing workshops and classes, something to actually make your trip unique. Finding the right one might be hard, or rather just a little confusing, so we looked at quite a few places to put together this review of some of the area’s best classes. That way, it’s hopefully easy for you to pick the one that’s perfect for you.

1. Ebru Art at the House of Tiles

Ebru, or paper marbling, could be described as this ancient Turkish art form. It’s where you sort of float paints on water and then you lift it off with paper. The House of Tiles in Selçuk tends to be one spot to check it out. When I visited, I was so impressed at how such simple items such as water, natural paints, and ox gall can suddenly make some fascinating patterns. The teacher began showing the basic steps with the gentlest instructions, that were clearly articulated. It was as though they truly wanted us to connect with this ancient craft.

After the intro, you can actually go ahead and create your own masterpiece. I went with a classic floral design, like the instructor suggested, and although mine did not look anything close to hers, it was still rather unique. The atmosphere seemed very calming; with soft Turkish music kind of filling the background, making it much easier to just calm down and express yourself. At the end, you not only go home with what you created, but you also go home with something to think about, such as a deeper understanding for Turkish art traditions. Read our full review: Ebru Art Selçuk Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ebru Art Class)

2. Turkish Cooking Class with a Local Family

Rather than simply heading out to another restaurant, consider this: a lot of local families living in and around Selçuk, quite often invite people into their homes to learn how to actually cook Turkish food. You’ll often go to a local market together, arguably to find the freshest ingredients and that sort of experience makes you understand the food a bit better, perhaps like why the recipes use some unusual components.

The class that I did included stuffed eggplant, something known as “Karnıyarık”, and homemade bread. The family was very kind and actually made us feel welcome, they shared these family cooking secrets and stories as we cooked together. What I loved very much about this class is that it gave us a window into a family’s life, we didn’t just learn about the food, we also got to practice our Turkish in a more casual environment, a family dinner, it really helped to practice things like, “Afiyet olsun!” before dinner was served. Read our full review: Turkish Cooking Class Selçuk Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cooking Class)

3. Ceramic Workshop at Ephesus Art Center

Pottery could be a fairly old art, and Ephesus Art Center aims to give people access to making art with ceramics. Usually the classes start off with an overview of different ceramic techniques, arguably highlighting the local styles found near Ephesus. The studio space itself could be described as bright and open, which offers an environment to go ahead and feel creative.

While you work with the clay, the teachers show a real dedication to teaching, going around with gentle, patient support. They let you try various approaches, like hand-building and using the pottery wheel. In that way you find what suits you, and everyone from those completely new to clay or those who have tried pottery before can pick up something of benefit here. At the end you have created your own unique ceramic to bring home. So, this is that opportunity to learn about one more classic Turkish art! Read our full review: Ceramic Workshop Ephesus Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ceramics Workshop)

4. Traditional Rug Weaving Course

Rugs aren’t just for keeping your toes warm; in Turkey, they sort of represent history, stories, and regional identity, too it’s almost like learning how to weave them brings all that history to life. A few places around Selçuk arguably run courses on how to make rugs. The teachers generally walk you through everything, things like the types of materials to pick to how the various regional patterns tend to form.

The process involves so much, you know like setting up the loom, knotting the yarn correctly and even things like learning the specific designs and meanings, and what they tend to represent. Classes usually don’t rush you. A great amount of focus on accuracy and dedication tends to be promoted. Many locations arguably limit their class size, they may actually have more individualized guidance. You get that feeling you are gaining some respect for the craft. Read our full review: Rug Weaving Course Selçuk Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Rug Weaving)

5. Photography Tour of Ephesus and Selçuk

So, what could possibly be more captivating than a regular tour? arguably having one where you get guidance from a professional photographer. Tours might well take you through places like Ephesus and the more secret parts of Selçuk. The photographer will offer tips, possibly even something very detailed about how to find some great spots for a picture, or how to use some awesome lighting, they will help in that way.

The class may change with experience and what gear you might have, so you might well want to ask before you arrive. The classes tend to offer guidance in various spots. One could be something fairly early in the day to get those early sunlight conditions or late when the sunset starts happening to allow you to get dramatic landscapes. In fact, these types of workshops usually don’t just teach about photos, they usually make you look at the world very differently through a lens. It will make you feel that sense of adventure and wonder. Read our full review: Photography Tour Ephesus Selçuk Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Photography Tour)

Key Takeaways:

• Ebru Art at the House of Tiles: Get insight on classic Turkish marbling skills within a calming setting.
• Turkish Cooking Class: This is that fantastic way to experience local culture as you go ahead and make dinner with a family.
• Ceramic Workshop at Ephesus Art Center: Perhaps try the art of pottery. Every skill is something the trainers focus on as they help you go ahead and find what meets your personal artistic expression.
• Traditional Rug Weaving Course: Potentially dive into a centuries-old custom while developing abilities.
• Photography Tour of Ephesus: You could explore Selçuk’s beauty as a photographic experience while obtaining advice on composition and capturing ideal lighting.

Read our full review: Selçuk Classes Workshops Full Review and Details.