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

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
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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Pamela_c
Sep 21, 2024
Historic (not touristic) Experience - Added so much historical and cultural value to our trip to witness this ancient ritual. The memory will stay with you.
Review provided by Viator
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
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
Jan 14, 2024
Boring - Boring . Hard to find . Got lost for 30 minutes. Guide did not provide a clear address as there are a few whirling Dervish places .
Review provided by Viator
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