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From happy customers

Loved by 46 million+
Barbusca Giuseppina

Barbusca

Dec 2025
4/5
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+1 more

It was a performance of the Sema. 4 Musicians and 4 rotating Dervishes. For those who have never attended a Sema, it is also a good approach because there is a short presentation that anticipates the ceremony.
maaike kitslaar

Maaike

Nov 2025
4/5
Live music and sema ceremony came across as authentic and cincere. Having read about Rumi I found it a touching experience. Don't expect a show, it is a ceremony. Tasteful exhibition at the foyer. I would recommend it for anyone interested in some backgrounds of Sufi religion and tradition.
Mariana Paulino da Costa Pereira Lima
BR

Mariana

Brazil
Oct 2025
5/5
The MegaPass worked perfectly. We could easily use all the benefits and I trully recommend to everyone that wants to go to Istanbul and do the main turistic attractions.
Octavio Fregoso sr
US

Octavio

United States
Aug 2025
5/5
Everything was amazing. The Basilica Cistern was my favorite part. Skipping 200 people in line to jump to the front was just outstanding. Will always do a Mega Pass where ever we can. 10/10 recommend.

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Rooted in the teachings of 13th-century poet and mystic Jalaluddin Rumi, the Whirling Dervish ceremony is a spiritual journey expressed through a soulful dance. As the dervishes spin in meditative motion, their right hand rises toward the divine while the left extends toward the earth, symbolizing the flow of blessings from heaven to humanity. This centuries-old Sufi ritual offers a glimpse into a worldview shaped by poetry, devotion, and the search for one’s highest self. Prepare for a mesmerizing experience that illuminates the heart of Sufi philosophy.

Quick summary

  • Origin: Emerged in the 13th century within the Mevlevi Order, founded in honor of the poet and mystic Jalaluddin Rumi.
  • Purpose: The ritual is called Sema and it helps dervishes reach closer to God.
  • Why people attend: For a rare glimpse into Turkey’s spiritual heritage, a calming cultural ritual, and an authentic experience beyond typical sightseeing.
  • Best for: Culture lovers, spiritual seekers, music enthusiasts, and anyone exploring Istanbul's Old Town.
  • Recommended ticket: Go for the iconic Whirling Dervishes ceremony at the historic Hodjapasha Culture Center, a restored 15th-century bathhouse in Istanbul’s Sirkeci district

Why see a Whirling Dervishes show in Istanbul?

Whirling dervishes performing in Cappadocia, Turkey, showcasing traditional Sufi dance.
Whirling Dervish performing in traditional attire during a show.
Whirling Dervishes performing in a cultural ceremony.
Musicians playing traditional instruments at a Whirling Dervish show.
Whirling Dervish in traditional attire performing in a dimly lit setting.
1/5

A rare cultural encounter

The Sema ceremony is not staged entertainment, it’s an authentic religious ritual that offers insight into one of Turkey’s most enduring spiritual traditions.

Connection to Rumi

If you appreciate Rumi’s poetry or teachings, this is the closest you can get to witnessing his philosophy expressed through movement, music, and symbolism.

Historic and UNESCO-recognized tradition

The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony is listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, making the experience both culturally and historically significant.

Visually and musically captivating

The live Sufi music, the circular rhythms, the white flowing garments, and the sacred symbolism make it a deeply immersive sensory experience.

Gain insight into the Mevlevi Order

The ceremony offers a rare window into the practices and beliefs of the Mevlevi Sufi order—its discipline, symbolism, and centuries-old pursuit of spiritual refinement.

Which Whirling Dervish show ticket is best for you?

Whirling Dervishes performing traditional dance in Istanbul ceremony.

For a soulful Sufi experience

Experience an authentic Whirling Dervish ceremony either at the historic Hodjapasha Cultural Centre or in the Sultanahmet area. These tickets offer a complete Sema ritual, with options to add a traditional Turkish dinner. The ceremony lasts about an hour, extending further with chosen add-ons. It's perfect for travelers who have their bucket list sorted and are seeking a meaningful cultural experience.

Recommended tickets:

  • Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony & Mevlevi Sema Show Tickets
  • Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
  • Tickets for Whirling Dervishes Show & Mevlevi Sema in Istanbul
Whirling Dervish performance and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

If you want to explore the Historical Peninsula

Discover Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula with value-packed combos that pair the Whirling Dervish ceremony with iconic landmarks and experiences. Ideal for travelers wanting culture and sightseeing in one go, these tickets let you witness the Sema ritual while also exploring the nearby Basilica Cistern, cruising the Bosphorus, or visiting Hagia Sophia.

Recommended tickets:

  • Combo (Save 18%): Whirling Dervishes Ceremony & Mevlevi Sema Show + Basilica Cistern
  • Tour Group: Combo (Save 28%): Whirling Dervishes Ceremony & Mevlevi Sema Show + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets
  • Combo (Save 18%): Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets
Sightseeing cruise on the Bosphorus with Istanbul skyline and mosque in the background.

City pass you don’t have to think twice about

The Istanbul MegaPass is perfect for travelers who want maximum flexibility and zero planning stress. With skip-the-line entry to major attractions and seamless digital access, it helps you cover the city’s highlights at your own pace. Ideal for first-timers who want convenience, savings, and a hassle-free way to experience Istanbul’s top sights.

Recommended ticket:

  • Istanbul MegaPass: Skip-the-Line E-Tickets for Top Attractions

About Rumi's Mevlevi Order

Rumi’s poetry is celebrated across the world today. It's quoted in films, shared on social media, and cherished in countless translations. But did you know that its roots lie in a profound spiritual movement that shaped centuries of thought? Behind the lines about love, longing, and the search for truth was a philosophy that viewed the human heart as a bridge between the earthly and the divine. Rumi believed that love—not logic, not power—was the engine of the universe. His verses talked about the inner world where the soul expands, the ego dissolves, and the seeker moves closer to what he called “the Beloved.”

From this worldview emerged the Mevlevi Order, founded by Rumi’s followers to preserve and embody his teachings. Their most iconic expression became the Whirling Dervish ceremony, a moving meditation that physically represents the journey he wrote about. In the Sema ritual, the dervish becomes the poem. They spin like a planet around the sun as their white robes billow gently with each turn. They wear a tall sikke hat, which represents the ego to be let go of. The right hand rises to welcome divine grace, while the left extends downwards to pass that blessing on to the world.

Plan your visit to the Whirling Dervishes Show

Dervishes performing traditional dance in ornate hall during Dervish Experience.

Daily: 7pm

Duration: 1 hour

  • Introduction about the Mevlevi Order: 5 mins
  • Sufi music concert: 10 mins
  • Whirling Dervishes show: 45 mins

Note: Spend some time at the exhibition before the show starts. You will find interactive video shows, personal books, clothing, and other souvenirs to make your experience memorable.

How to Reach the Whirling Dervishes Show Venue

Address: Hodja Pasha, Hodja Pasha Mahallesi Ankara Caddesi, Hodja Pasha Hamamı Sk. No:3 D: B, 34110 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey

​Find on maps

  • By bus: 28, 30D, 46C, 66, 99Y, EM1
    Nearest stop: Sirkeci
  • By train: Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze)
    Nearest stop: Sirkeci station
  • By tram: T1
    Nearest stop: Sirkeci station
  • By metro: M2
    Nearest Stop: Sirkeci station
Man in wheelchair with a black dog, highlighting accessibility.
  • Accessibility: The Hodjapasha Cultural Center is a 15th-century bath house that hosts the Whirling Dervish shows. The venue is not accessible to visitors on wheelchairs. If you need a wheelchair-friendly location, make sure you book tickets for the Sultanahmet venue.
  • Photography: There is a strict no-gadget policy inside the venue once the show begins. You have to leave your cellphones and cameras outside. You cannot click pictures during the show. 
  • Flexible cancellations: If you book Whirling Dervishes show tickets online, you can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the show begins, and get a full refund on your purchase. 
Whirling dervishes performing in Istanbul, Turkey, part of the Istanbul Welcome Card experience.
  • Reach early: Aim to reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the show begins to settle in comfortably. Latecomers are allowed to enter only during the first 10 minutes of the show. After 15 minutes, they will be regarded as no-shows and the ticket price will not be refunded. 
  • Put away your gadgets: Put your mobile phones on silent and maintain decorum after the show begins. Visitors are not permitted to take pictures or record during the show.
  • Age restrictions: The Whirling Dervishes show is a form of spinning meditation that shows the various stages a Sufi mystic goes through to attain eternal enlightenment.
  • Wear appropriate clothing: It is best to cover your knees and shoulders when you attend a religious show.
  • No clapping at the end: Unlike a typical performance, the Whirling Dervishes ceremony (Sema) is a sacred ritual, not entertainment. Applause is generally discouraged as it disrupts the spiritual atmosphere. Instead, observe silently and respectfully until the end.

Explore beyond the Whirling Dervishes show

Hagia Sophia view from hotel terrace in Istanbul, Turkey with cityscape in background.

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia, an orthodox church-turned-mosque, is a splendid marvel of Byzantine architecture. It boasts a stunning dome and exquisite mosaics, reflecting its rich history.

Visit the Hagia Sophia
Illuminated columns in the underground Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir in Istanbul has an eerie beauty. Supported by marble columns, it once supplied water to the Byzantine Great Palace.

Explore the Basilica Cistern
Gilded iftar Pavilion overlooking Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace, Istanbul's former imperial residence, showcases Ottoman opulence. Its sprawling grounds feature ornate courtyards, impressive architecture, and exhibits displaying artifacts from the Sultans' era.

Visit the Topkapi Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace interior with ornate furniture and chandelier.

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of Ottoman grandeur on the Bosphorus, served as the modern palace for Ottoman sultans. Its European-influenced design and lavish interiors captivate visitors.

Explore the Dolmabahce Palace

Frequently asked questions about the Whirling Dervishes show

What's the significance behind whirling?

Whirling is a form of moving meditation practiced by the Mevlevi Order to achieve spiritual focus and closeness to God. The continuous turning represents the soul’s journey toward truth, mirroring the rotation of planets around the sun. Through this motion, dervishes aim to quiet the ego, open the heart, and channel divine love. It’s both a ritual of devotion and a symbolic expression of harmony with the universe.

Where can I watch the Whirling Dervishes show?

You can watch the Whirling Dervishes show at Sultanahmet or Hodjapasha in Old Istanbul. Both venues are located not far from Topkapi Palace.

What is the best way to reach the Hodjapasha?

The best way to reach the Hodjapasha Cultural Center is to catch the M2 metro or board any of the buses numbered 28, 30D, 46C, 66, 99Y, and EM1 and get off at Sirkeci station.

Where did Sufism originate?

Sufism originated in the early centuries of Islam, primarily in the Middle East, with strong roots in regions like present-day Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.

What are the timings of the Whirling Dervishes show in Hodjapasha?

The Whirling Dervishes show begins at 7pm in the evening every day throughout the year at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center.

How long does the Whirling Dervishes show go on for?

The introduction speech about the Mevlevi order and Sufi order of Enlightenment may last for 5 minutes, followed by the Sufi music introduction for 10 minutes. The performance lasts for around 45 to 50 minutes. Overall, the show is wrapped up within an hour.

What is special about the Whirling Dervishes show?

The Whirling Dervishes show is a one-in-a-kind experience, as the audience has a role to play in creating the Sema atmosphere. As the audience watches the Sufi mystic pass through the stages to attain spiritual fulfillment, they also experience a shift in their energy, which contributes to making the performance a success.

How early do we have to reach to watch the Whirling Dervishes show?

It is best to reach at least 30 minutes before the Whirling Dervishes show begins. Latecomers beyond 10 minutes won’t be admitted into the venue, as it will disturb the peaceful ceremony. If you fail to reach on time, your tickets will be considered a no-show and you will not receive any refunds.

Can I take pictures of the Whirling Dervishes show?

Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the show hall, so you cannot click pictures of the whirling dervishes during their performance.

Can visitors on wheelchairs also witness the Whirling Dervishes show?

The Hodjapasha is a 15th-century old bathhouse in Istanbul. The venue is not accessible to visitors on wheelchairs.

Where can I watch Sufi performances in Istanbul?

While there are lots of Sufi performances held on the outskirts of the city, the best place to watch the Whirling Dervishes show is the Hodjapasha Cultural Center. It is a bathhouse dating back to the 15th century.

Can children watch the Whirling Dervishes show?

The Whirling Dervishes show is not appropriate for children under 7 years of age. The show depicts the various stages a Sufi mystic goes through before reaching ultimate enlightenment. The ceremony must be completed peacefully, hence children are not allowed to watch the shows.

Can I cancel my Whirling Dervishes show tickets?

If you have purchased Whirling Dervishes show tickets online, you can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins, and get a full refund on your purchase.

What are some attractions near the Whirling Dervishes show in Hodjapsha Cultural Center?

Plan a full-day tour in Istanbul, where you visit famous landmarks like Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, and Hagia Sophia, and catch the Whirling Dervishes show in Hodjapasha Cultural center at 7 in the evening.