A Hidden Artisan Gem in Istanbul: Sisu Handmade 👩‍🎨🎨

Stumbled into Sisu Handmade while exploring the streets near Karaköy, and it ended up being one of my favorite little stops. It’s a small shop in Beyoğlu, tucked between cafés and art studios, very close to Şişhane Metro Station. The shelves were packed with handmade ceramics, textiles, and small crafts like colorful mugs, woven cushion covers, patterned scarves, and even tiny bowls that would make perfect souvenirs.

We absolutely loved the ceramic designs. No two pieces were exactly the same, and so many cute funky designs. The textiles were just as distinctive with their patterns. It was clear that everything there was made in small batches, not mass-produced.

What stood out to us was how everything there was truly handmade. One corner of the shop even had ceramic mugs still drying, yet to be glazed. It’s the kind of detail that reminds you this really is a working artisan space, not just a souvenir shop.

Prices were fairly reasonable for handmade work (although a little haggling never hurts 😉).

💡 Quick tips:

🛍 Wander along the same street before or after. There are other small studios nearby, and you can spot how each one has its own color palette and style!

💵 Bring cash! Smaller shops in this area don’t always take card, and if they do, cash is usually preferred.

🎁 Ask about wrapping. Most (but not all!) shops we went to packed our ceramics carefully with bubble wrap.

🎨 Ask about new pieces or different designs. Because they’re small workshops and usually family-owned businesses, sometimes you can ask for a specific design that they’ll be happy to do for you to collect a day or two later!

#turkey #istanbul #ceramics #travel #thingstodo #beyoğlu #traveltips #shopping #handmade

Post by EmeraldSkies | Oct 17, 2025