The First Baklava Shop in Istanbul: Karaköy Güllüoğlu
Baklava is one of Turkey’s most iconic desserts, and while its origins date back to the Ottoman Palace kitchens, the very first dedicated baklava shop in Istanbul was established much later. This shop, Karaköy Güllüoğlu, opened its doors in 1949 and has been delighting locals and tourists ever since. Today, it stands not only as a dessert shop but as a cultural landmark that bridges Ottoman traditions with modern-day Istanbul. For visitors, it represents more than just a bakery—it’s a journey through time, taste, and history.
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A Sweet Beginning: The History of Karaköy Güllüoğlu
Baklava was once a delicacy reserved for sultans and special occasions in the Ottoman Empire. Historical records from Topkapı Palace describe trays of baklava being prepared by palace chefs and ceremoniously presented to the Janissaries during Ramadan. This tradition, known as the Baklava Procession, highlighted the dessert’s importance as a symbol of royal generosity and abundance.
For centuries, however, baklava was not a common dessert in Istanbul homes. It was expensive and time-consuming to prepare, requiring incredible skill to stretch dough paper-thin and layer it with premium nuts and clarified butter. Ordinary residents often had no access to it. This changed when Mustafa Güllü, from a long-established Gaziantep baklava-making family, brought the art of baklava-making to Istanbul.
In 1949, Mustafa Güllü opened Karaköy Güllüoğlu—the first dedicated baklava shop not just in Istanbul, but outside Gaziantep. At first, many locals were hesitant. Baklava was considered an elite dessert, and some thought it too heavy or sweet. To introduce his product, Mustafa distributed free samples in Karaköy, placed bold newspaper advertisements, and even delivered baklava trays to offices. His persistence slowly paid off. By the 1960s and 1970s, baklava had become a widely beloved dessert in Istanbul, no longer reserved only for weddings and religious holidays.
Why Karaköy Güllüoğlu is Special
Today, Karaköy Güllüoğlu is still family-run and continues its legacy from its modern location in Karaköy (under the Sağlık Han building at Kemankeş Cad. No. 67). The shop now produces around 2.5 tons of baklava daily, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency. Despite its scale, it has resisted franchising—meaning there is only one true Karaköy Güllüoğlu, making each visit a unique and authentic experience.
The shop is famous not only for its baklava but also for the standards it has set. Ingredients are carefully sourced: pistachios from Gaziantep, walnuts from Anatolia, clarified butter from local dairies, and sugar from natural sugar beet. The dough is stretched by masters who have trained for years to achieve the perfect thickness—just 0.1 mm. Each tray is baked fresh, ensuring crispy layers, balanced sweetness, and that irresistible aroma that fills the shop.
Signature Specialties
- 🥇 Classic Pistachio Baklava – The flagship dessert, rich with Antep pistachios and perfectly balanced syrup.
- 🌰 Walnut Baklava – A less sweet alternative, ideal for those who prefer earthy flavors.
- 🥛 Sütlü Nuriye – A milk-based baklava with a lighter taste, popular in warmer months.
- 🍫 Chocolate Baklava – A modern creation combining traditional technique with a global favorite.
- 🧀 Şöbiyet – A creamy pastry filled with semolina and pistachios, offering a softer bite.
- 🍯 Kuru Baklava – A dry-style baklava that has a longer shelf life, making it perfect for travel and gifting.
- 🥜 Fıstıklı Sarma – Rolled pistachio-filled pastry that’s intensely nutty and less syrupy.
- 🍮 Burma Kadayıf – A shredded dough variation, crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.
Every bite highlights the artistry that makes Turkish desserts world-famous.
Insider Tips for Tourists
☕ Pair your baklava with Turkish tea (çay) or strong Turkish coffee for the perfect balance of flavors.
🍽️ Order a mixed tray to try several varieties—you’ll quickly find your favorite.
⏰ Avoid peak hours like evenings and weekends if you want to skip long lines. Mid-mornings or mid-afternoons are calmer.
📦 Ask for travel-friendly packaging. The staff can prepare vacuum-sealed boxes that keep baklava fresh for several days, ideal for souvenirs.
🎁 Consider bringing baklava home as a gift—it’s one of the most appreciated edible presents from Istanbul.
Visitor Information
- 📍 Address: Kemankeş Cad. No: 67, Karaköy/Beyoğlu, Istanbul
- ⏰ Hours: Daily, approximately 08:00 – 01:00
- 📞 Contact: +90 212 225 52 82 | WhatsApp: +90 531 980 3954
- 🌐 Website: karakoygulluoglu.com
- 📲 Social Media: Instagram @karakoygulluoglu
Because of its fame, the shop attracts crowds of both locals and tourists. Still, service is fast, and staff are accustomed to assisting visitors from all over the world. English-speaking staff are often available, and the menu has multilingual descriptions.
Other Historic Sweet Shops in Istanbul
Although Karaköy Güllüoğlu is the city’s first baklava shop, Istanbul has several other legendary sweet shops worth visiting. Exploring them creates a culinary tour of Ottoman and Turkish dessert traditions:
- 🍮 Hafız Mustafa 1864 – Established in the 19th century, Hafız Mustafa is famous for baklava, Turkish delight, rice pudding, and other Ottoman sweets. Their branches, especially the one near Sirkeci, are tourist favorites for their classic décor and wide selection.
- 🍬 Koska – Founded in 1907, Koska is best known for its helva and lokum but also serves quality baklava. With many branches across the city, it’s a reliable stop for those exploring beyond Karaköy.
- 🥧 Emiroğlu Baklava – A beloved family-owned shop since the 1980s. While smaller in scale, it’s popular among locals for consistently fresh products.
- 🕌 Köşkeroğlu Baklava – Originally from Gaziantep, this shop brings together baklava and traditional Turkish meals under one roof. It’s a great spot to enjoy both savory and sweet flavors.
Visiting these establishments alongside Karaköy Güllüoğlu provides a broader picture of Istanbul’s dessert scene, showing how baklava and other sweets have evolved across generations.
Nearby Attractions in Karaköy
Karaköy itself is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant districts, blending old-world charm with modern art and café culture. After enjoying baklava, spend some time exploring nearby:
- 🏰 Galata Tower – A medieval stone tower offering panoramic views over Istanbul. The observation deck is especially stunning at sunset.
- 🌶️ Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) – Located across the Galata Bridge in Eminönü, this bazaar is perfect for shopping for spices, teas, dried fruits, and lokum.
- 🖼️ Istanbul Modern Art Museum – At Galataport, this museum showcases Turkish and international contemporary art, often with interactive exhibits.
- 🚋 Istiklal Avenue – A bustling pedestrian street in Beyoğlu filled with shops, cafés, bookstores, and nightlife venues. The nostalgic tram is a fun way to explore it.
- ⛪ St. Pierre Han & Karaköy Streets – Wander Karaköy’s lanes to discover street art, boutique shops, and trendy cafés. Perfect for photography lovers.
- 🛥️ Bosphorus Ferry Rides – From Karaköy pier, hop on a ferry to Üsküdar or Kadıköy for a scenic cross-continental ride, or embark on a Bosphorus tour to see Istanbul’s skyline from the water.
Karaköy is also packed with stylish cafés, bars, and art galleries. It’s one of the best places in Istanbul to experience the city’s modern, creative side while being steps away from historic landmarks.
Final Thoughts
For tourists, a visit to Istanbul isn’t complete without tasting authentic baklava—and Karaköy Güllüoğlu is the best place to begin this journey. As the city’s first dedicated baklava shop, it combines rich history, family tradition, and culinary excellence. The flavors you’ll taste here are not only delicious but also steeped in cultural heritage that stretches back to the Ottoman Empire.
A trip to Karaköy Güllüoğlu is more than a dessert stop; it’s an immersion into Turkish culture. Watching the trays of golden baklava come out of the oven, smelling the roasted pistachios and clarified butter, and sharing a sweet moment with friends or family becomes part of the Istanbul experience itself.
Whether you savor your baklava at one of the shop’s tables with a glass of tea or pack a box to share with loved ones back home, you’ll be carrying a slice of Istanbul’s history with you. And when you compare it with baklava from other historic shops like Hafız Mustafa or Koska, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how this dessert has evolved and captured the hearts of generations.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to just one baklava shop. Try Karaköy Güllüoğlu for history, Hafız Mustafa for variety, and a local neighborhood shop for authenticity. Together, they create a sweet adventure that tells the story of Istanbul itself.
