Audio GuideHafiz Mustafa 1864

Step onto the lively streets of Sirkeci in Istanbul, and you will find Hafız Mustafa Eighteen Sixty-Four, a confectionery where tradition and history blend with the sweet aroma of pastries. Founded during the Ottoman Empire, in the mid-nineteenth century, Hafız Mustafa began with Hadji Ismail Hakki Bey and his son making simple rock candies at a small shop close to the old viaduct, now known as Hamidiye Street. As their sweets gained fame, more people flocked to their little space, drawn by the tempting treats and the genuine hospitality.

Misbah Hammoud

Over the decades, the shop’s fame only grew. The family added baklava, Turkish delight, puddings, and cakes, each crafted with exacting standards and time-honored recipes. Hafız Mustafa passed the business to his son Cemil, then to his granddaughter Sonmez. Although the store changed owners a few times over more than a century and a half, it has never lost its spirit of quality or its role as a symbol of Turkish confectionery. In the late nineteen-twenties and thirties, Hafız Mustafa became internationally known, winning several gold medals at European confectionery contests.

Niren Srikissoon

Today, led by the Ongurlar family, the brand has expanded both in Turkey and abroad. The Sirkeci branch stands out for its grand elegance, golden trims, marble counters, and cases piled high with glistening baklava and jewel-colored Turkish delight. Smiling staff serve tea or Turkish coffee in branded porcelain next to generous slices of cake dusted with pistachios.

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From its windows, one can see the never-ending flow of city life—trams passing, the busy train station, and the waters of the Bosphorus nearby. The shop’s legacy is more than just sweets; it is a part of the city’s history, a place bringing people together to enjoy the best of Istanbul’s flavors, both past and present.