Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema

Experience the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Istanbul, where dancers enter a state of hyper consciousness and maintain outstanding balance. Don’t miss this magical and unforgettable experience!

Duration: 50 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kızlarağa Medresesi - The Mevlevi Sema ceremony is a Sufi ceremony that symbolizes the degrees of the path to Allah, contains religious elements and themes, and has detailed rules and qualities in this form. Mevlevi was the son of Mavlana Jalaluddin Rumi. It was performed in a disciplined manner starting from the time of Sultan Veled and Ulu Arif Celebi. These rules were developed until the time of Pir Adil Celebi and have taken their final form to the present day.
What's Included
  • Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Additional Information

Experiencing the spectacle of whirling dervishes can shift your ordinary state of awareness, opening a window to a mystical universe.

Observing these dancers, possessed by an elevated state of consciousness while sustaining extraordinary equilibrium, is a breathtaking sight. Being a part of the Whirling Dervishes and the Mevlevi ceremony is certainly an experience not to be missed, should you find yourself in the proximity.

Location
Kızlarağa Medresesi
Hoca Rüstem Sokak
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(73 Ratings)
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Mehju2014
Jun 30, 2024
Awesome experience - This was an awesome experience for our multi generational family. We got there early to get a good seat and met Kadir who helped us with amazing information about Istanbul. A must see experience in Istanbul. The only negative was the restaurants around the area kept annoying us to eat at theirs
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrmichaell_c
Jun 21, 2024
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE & GOOD VALUE - A great show. The musicians played for about 20 minutes then the three Dervishes entered and went through their ceremony. I advise anyone attending to arrive early to get a good seat. We sat just inside, to the left of the door but I think the best view would be from the end to the right of the door, not too near the center.
Review provided by Viator
Marina_r
Jun 18, 2024
Out of this world - This is a heavenly experience. Enjoyed every second of it. The playing , the singing , the dancing. It feels as if it brings out something out of this world in you. Will be going again next time when I am in Istanbul .
Review provided by Viator
Shatha
Jun 10, 2024
It was amazing - One of the best experiences i ever had in Istanbul, I enjoyed every moment, but come early to set in a good spot. Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindsey_s
May 26, 2024
Loved it! - It is a beautiful, spiritual ceremony. We loved it! Two suggestions: Arrive 30 minutes early for good seats; read brief overview of the history of Whirling Dervish ceremony beforehand, so you will appreciate it more. It was wonderful.
Review provided by Viator
Igorbondar
May 13, 2024
Excellent show - Great experience, must see. If you want to understand Turkish culture better visit this show and enjoy.
Review provided by Viator
Melissa_l
Jun 8, 2024
Beautiful - Venue is small and personal. It starts with music and singing. Recommend reading ahead of time about the history and significance for the dancing. Get there early for seats.
Review provided by Viator
Alaina_q
Jun 4, 2024
Average - Average. Venue is small, cramped and hot. Show was nothing extraordinary, 2/10 experience, rather lengthy you lose interest
Review provided by Viator
Kelsii_d
May 13, 2024
Am I missing something? - It was a little strange and I felt like there was a context or a story for the dances and motions that we were missing. I feel like if they explained what was going on it would have been better. The music was good. The dancers are talented and it was a cool experience but if you have a limited time in Istanbul, you can probably skip it without missing much.
Review provided by Viator
Aurelie151193
Jun 1, 2024
Dissapointing and unfriendly - We arrived a few minutes later than planned because it was not easy to find between all the restaurants that accosts you. And when we finally found the entrance the people at the door were not very friendly. We were seated at the back of the crowd so the only thing we could see were the back of people’s heads and their phones. That was very dissapointing. I think you need to get there at least an hour early to get decent seats, which is not ok since everyone paid the same price. I would recommend the derwishes, because it was very nice to see, but not from this place. Look for another!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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