Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Istanbul: An Experience of Traditional Mevleviye Dance

169 Ratings

Istanbul

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Get ready to be enchanted by Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes traditional ‘sema’ Mevleviye dance ceremony at the iconic Hodjapasha Dance Theater in Istanbul!

Duration: 1 hour

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Hodjapasha Cultural Center - The Sema Ceremony is a spiritual journey of Dervishes Whirling for Divine Love

What's Included

Attend the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (SEMA)
Experience a Sufi Music Concert

What's Not Included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Additional Information

Minimum age is 7 years
Photography is not allowed

Location

Hodjapasha Cultural Center

Hoca Pasa Mh. Hocapasa Hamami Sokak No: 3/B, Sirkeci

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

3.8

(169 Ratings)

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Piglet1973

Jan 30, 2024

Part of the fabric of Istanbul - If you want to escape the hussle and bustle of the city for an hour, and have a ringside seat to a spiritual ceremony, then this is the place to go. It's not for everyone, but it we found it very relaxing and intriguing.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Birender_s

Oct 27, 2023

Must see - Very interesting and learning experience. Meditative . Cultural . Must see . Well organised . Site easy to reach .

Review provided by Viator

Sunilpeter

Aug 27, 2023

A must do journey in Istanbul - It was a great spiritual experience. Much of this ancient sumi tradition is unknown to most. A must for anyone visiting Istanbul

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Kent_w

Jul 26, 2023

Grateful to have... - Grateful to have witnessed this mesmerizing ceremony based in the Sufi tradition. Keep in mind it’s not a show to entertain in the traditional sense, and photos and clapping are not appropriate. The museum at the cultural center gives an overview of the development and significance of the ceremony.

Review provided by Viator

Robert_d

Jun 24, 2023

Excellent performance in... - Excellent performance in a converted 500-year-old Hammam building. Very evocative atmosphere, six-piece traditional orchestra and 5 dervishes performing. Loved the overall experience and introduction to Sufi culture.

Review provided by Viator

Chickenbone6

May 18, 2023

Enchanting - It was a very meaningful ceremony and an intimate setting with a good view of the ceremony from every seat. The music was enchanting and the information boards outside of the ceremony room are informative.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Alexmcm21

Apr 27, 2024

A spiritual dance - A very special moment with great spiritual significance. We must respect the dervishes who perform this dance, which is not a spectacle but rather a moment of introspection. I recommend!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

468anacristinad

Dec 2, 2023

Show dervishes - Very long and only explained in English or Turkish I think there could be an explanation in Spanish. It would help a lot.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Govindraj_r

Jul 18, 2023

Show needs a major makeover - This show needs to more entertainment for the paid towards it. It is a very dull show. I see so many audience dozing off during the show.

Review provided by Viator

Deanna_b