Istanbul
Haseki Dārüşşifası
The 16th-century healing complex of Haseki Hürrem Sultan.
Maristan × Buraq Travels — Türkiye 2026
Türkiye · Istanbul & Edirne Maristans
The Five Senses of Wellness — rediscovering the art of Shifā through the great dārüşşifas of the Ottoman world.
The Philosophy of Shifā
Healing is not merely the removal of illness. Healing is the restoration of balance.
It is the nourishment of the body, mind, heart, soul, relationships, and environment together. The great dārüşşifas (healing institutions) of Islamic civilization were built upon this understanding. Within their walls, patients encountered beauty, sacred sound, compassionate care, nutritious food, flowing water, fragrant gardens, spiritual companionship, and medical expertise. Healing was not reduced to symptoms. It was understood as a journey toward wholeness.
Join Shaykha Dr. Rania Awaad and the Maristan team for an immersive five-day educational and spiritual experience through Istanbul and Edirne, exploring some of the most significant surviving dārüşşifas of the Ottoman world.
More than a historical tour, this journey invites participants to experience wellness through the Five Senses—Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch—while reflecting on how Islamic civilization cultivated human flourishing through beauty, knowledge, worship, service, and community. Through lectures, site visits, contemplative exercises, sensory workshops, shared meals, dhikr gatherings, and meaningful conversations, participants will explore what the historical maristan model can teach us about well-being today.
Wellness Through the Five Senses
A journey designed for every sense
Each day is intentionally designed around one or more sensory pathways historically utilized within Islamic healing traditions — beauty, sound, fragrance, nourishment, and touch.
What Makes This Journey Unique
More than a tour — a living education
Learn from the Living Legacy of the Maristans
Explore some of the most important surviving dārüşşifas in the Islamic world, including Haseki Dārüşşifası, Atik Valide Dārüşşifası, Süleymaniye Dārüşşifası, and Bayezid II Dārüşşifası (Edirne).
Experience Healing Through the Five Senses
Each day is intentionally designed around one or more sensory pathways historically utilized within Islamic healing traditions.
Reflect on Contemporary Mental Health
Engage in discussions examining how historical Muslim approaches to care may inform contemporary conversations about mental health, community wellness, and Islamic psychology.
Spiritual Immersion
Participate in prayer, dhikr, reflection circles, Qur'an recitation, and contemplative exercises throughout the journey.
Educational & Spiritual Programming
Throughout the journey, Shaykha Dr. Rania Awaad and the Maristan team lead educational lectures, spiritual reflections, guided discussions, dhikr and contemplative gatherings, and on-site teachings within historic healing institutions and sacred spaces.
Your Guide
Shaykha Dr. Rania Awaad
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Stanford University
Guided by one of the leading voices in Muslim mental health, the journey unites clinical depth with spiritual insight at every step.
- Director, Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab
- President of Maristan
- Leads all lectures, reflections & dhikr gatherings throughout the trip
The Living Legacy of the Maristans
Four great dārüşşifas
We explore some of the most important surviving healing institutions in the Islamic world.
Üsküdar
Atik Valide Dārüşşifası
A serene Mimar Sinan complex on the Anatolian shore.
Istanbul
Süleymaniye Dārüşşifası
Part of Sinan's masterwork — a hospital, medical school & mosque.
Edirne
Bayezid II Dārüşşifası
The famed complex where music was used to heal the soul.
The Journey, Day by Day
Five days through Istanbul & Edirne
Arrival · August 1
Arrival in Istanbul
- Arrival at Istanbul Airport
- Evening check-in & rest
Day 1 · August 2
Sultanahmet & Ottoman Legacy
- Hagia Sophia & the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque
- Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamam & surrounding waqf complexes
- Historic Sultan Ahmed charitable foundations
- Topkapı Palace
Day 2 · August 3
Edirne & the Bayezid II Healing Complex
- Bayezid II Complex — Darüşşifa, Ottoman Medical School & Mosque
- Selimiye Mosque & the Old Mosque of Edirne
- Riverside walk along the Meriç River (optional)
Day 3 · August 4
Bosphorus Reflections & Sacred Spaces
- Fajr & dhikr gathering at Yahya Efendi
- Bosphorus breakfast in Ortaköy · Dolmabahçe Palace
- Haseki Sultan Complex & historic darüşşifa
- Evening visit to the Grand Bazaar
Day 4 · August 5
The Anatolian Side of Istanbul
- Cross the Bosphorus by ferry
- Atik Valide Mosque Complex & historic Ottoman hospital institutions
- Aziz Mahmud Hudayi Mosque & Tomb
- Guided spiritual reflections & educational sessions
Departure · August 6
Check-out & farewell — carrying the art of shifā home with you.
Accommodations
DoubleTree by Hilton
Istanbul Topkapı
Participants will stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Topkapı. Guests will enjoy comfortable accommodations, daily transportation coordination, and dedicated spaces for educational and spiritual programming throughout the trip.
Check-in
August 1, 2026
Check-out
August 6, 2026
Packages
Choose your blessed journey
Land packages, priced per person in USD. Spaces are limited.
Land Package
Double Occupancy
$2,600
per person
Shared twin/double room — the perfect way to share the journey with a companion.
Private Room
Land Package
Single Occupancy
$3,500
per person
A private room to yourself — your own space and quiet throughout the journey.
What's Included
- 5 nights' accommodation in Istanbul
- Private ground transportation throughout
- All guided tours & site admissions
- Daily dinners
- Educational & spiritual programming
- Ferry transportation where applicable
- Full on-site support from the Buraq Travels team
Reserve Your Spot
Begin your journey
to shifā
Spaces for this experience are limited. Register today to join Shaykha Dr. Rania Awaad, Maristan, and Buraq Travels for an unforgettable journey through the spiritual, intellectual, and healing legacy of Istanbul and Edirne.
- Limited spacesSmall-group retreat — early registration is encouraged.
- Inquire or reserveHave a question, or ready to secure your place? Choose below.
- We'll be in touchA Buraq Travels team member responds within 24 hours.
