Book Tickets for Whirling Dervish in Istanbul
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Tickets to 1-Hour Whirling Dervish Show with Hagia Sophia Views
- Witness the mesmerizing whirling dervish show, a unique spiritual journey that perfectly encapsulates the rich heritage of Istanbul.
- Alongside the show, savor a traditional Ottoman Sherbet that perfectly complements the mesmerizing views of the Hagia Sophia.
- Be part of a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity, immersing yourself in the hypnotic Sufi music and the dervishes' traditions, set in an ancient Byzantine structure.
Inclusions
- 1-hour whirling dervish Show
- Traditional sherbet
- Tip: Arrive a bit early to secure a good viewing spot. The terrace is intimate, and an early arrival ensures the best views of the dervishes and Hagia Sophia.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Istanbul Whirling Dervish Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre
- A must-attend for culture vultures, everywhere!
- Catch the Istanbul Whirling Dervish Show for a thoroughly invigorating experience.
- Deep-rooted in Sufi tradition, this performance will take you on a spiritual journey.
- Watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi order, a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity.
- Pay attention to the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony that expresses various stages on the path to attaining spirituality.
Inclusions
- 1-hour Whirling Dervish Show
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Entry to Whirling Dervishes Show at HodjaPasha (optional)
- Performance at HodjaPasha Culture Center
- Turkish bath (optional)
- Program booklet (optional)
- Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your show to avoid further delays.
- The experience is restricted for guests aged 7 and under.
- Photography is not allowed.
- The theater is not wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Experience the Whirling Dervishes Show, A Form of Sufi Spiritual Awakening
With almost 2500 years of history, Istanbul has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties. Though only a few of the Turks belong to the Sufi order, the country’s order had been influenced by the Sufi mystics since ages past. There are a few Sufi monasteries on the outskirts of the city, where you can witness the Whirling Dervishes Show.
Influenced by the 13th-century poet, Jalaluddin Rumi, these Sufi mystics spin in an act of moving meditation to become closer to God, and in turn uncover their highest self. When the dervishes whirl, their right hands are turned upward to reach God, and their left hands are pointed downward to Earth. Read on to know more about Whirling Dervishes shows, how to book Whirling Dervishes Show tickets, its timings, and other information to plan your visit.
Why Experience a Whirling Dervishes Show?
- Witness the Spiritual Journey of Sufi Mystics: Sufi mystics perform a form of prayer, letting their worldly attachments fall with the twirling motion to commune with the Divine. During the Whirling Dervishes show, you can watch the stages through which a Sufi mystic passes before reaching the highest order of fulfillment.
- Learn about the Mevlevi Order: The Persian-born Jalaluddin Rumi inspired the Mevlevi Order, a renowned sect of Sufi dancers. Today’s Sufi dancers enact a performative version of the 13th-century Mevlevi tradition. The accompanying music consists of a singer, a cymbal player, a kettle drummer, and a flute player.
- Marvel at the Dervishes’ Dresses: The Sufi dancers wear long, white robes with skirts that represent their shrouded egos. Their hats, brown or black depending on their religious sect are called sikke.
- Feel Unparalleled Enlightenment: The Whirling Dervishes show is an unforgettable experience that lets you experience a semblance of nirvana. The ambiance of the whirling dervishes coupled with soothing prayer recitals makes one's heart calm.
Your Whirling Dervishes Tickets Explained
Istanbul Whirling Dervish Show Tickets
- Book the Whirling Dervishes show tickets to witness a form of prayer. The devotees twirl and spin to undergo spiritual awakening and reach a form of religious ecstasy.
- You can choose to watch the standard Whirling Dervishes Show or the show at Hodjapasha, a cultural center dating back to the 15th century.
- You must arrive 30 minutes before the Whirling Dervishes Show starts to be comfortably seated and to avoid further delays.
- Guests aged 7 and under are not allowed to watch the Whirling Dervishes Show.
- The Hodjapasha cultural center is not accessible to visitors on wheelchairs.
- Book the Whirling Dervishes show tickets to witness the various stages a devotee passes through on their quest to reach supreme bliss i.e. become one with their God.
Duration: 1 hour
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy: You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
Book TicketsWhat is the Best Way to Book Whirling Dervishes Tickets? Book Online!
The Sema Whirling Dervishes are an important part of Istanbul’s heritage, carrying forward Jalaluddin Rumi’s 13th-century ideals of being one with the Divine. Make sure to book your tickets well in advance for they tend to sell out fast throughout the year.
- Convenience: One of the best perks of booking tickets online is that you do not have to wait in long lines. You can do so with the click of a button with ease.
- Secure Bookings: Online ticket bookings ensure that you do not miss your attraction and get guaranteed access upon payment confirmation.
- Great Deals: If you book tickets online, you may chance upon combo offers and discounted prices.
Plan Your Visit to the Whirling Dervishes Show
Saturday to Sunday: 7 PM
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.
- Make sure to reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the show starts. Latecomers are allowed to enter only during the first 10 minutes of the show. Post 15 minutes, they will be regarded as no-shows and the ticket price will not be refunded.
Address: Hodja Pasha, Hodja Pasha Mahallesi Ankara Caddesi, Hodja Pasha Hamamı Sk. No:3 D: B, 34110 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Basilica Cistern: The Basilica Cistern is an incredible remnant of the water system prevalent in 6th-century Istanbul. The 336 colonnades are illuminated with electric lights. The structure is reconstructed keeping modern aesthetics in mind.
- Dolmabahce Palace: The Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey, that once served as the home of the Ottoman Sultans. The structure is a blend of Neo-classical, Baroque, Turkish, and Rococo styles.
- Hagia Sophia: Originally built as a Greek orthodox church, the Hagia Sophia Palace was converted into a mosque, and now serves both as a mosque and a museum. The structure and architectural style are a reminder of the changing dynasties that influenced the cultural landscape of Istanbul with their different religious and political ideals.
- Topkapi Palace: The Ottoman emperors housed their multiple concubines in the Topkapi Palace, which gave it the name, ‘the Imperial Harem’. Look out for the Spoonmaker’s diamond and Topkapi dagger housed in the museum section of this palace.
- Reach Early: Try to reach the Hodjapasha Cultural Center 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. Post 15 minutes, they will be regarded as no-shows and the ticket price will not be refunded.
- Put Away your Gadgets: Put away your cell phone and maintain absolute silence after the show begins. You are not allowed to click pictures or record anything during the Whirling Dervishes show.
- Use the Washroom Before: The Whirling Dervishes show goes on for an hour. Taking a bathroom break will disrupt the peaceful ceremony, so make sure to use the washroom before the show starts.
- Only for Guests Aged Above Seven: The Whirling Dervishes show is a form of spinning meditation that shows the various stages a Sufi mystic goes through to attain eternal enlightenment. Children under 7 years are not allowed in the show.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: It is best to cover your knees and shoulders when you attend a religious show.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whirling Dervishes Shows Answered
A. Yes, you can book Whirling Dervishes Show tickets online. In fact, it is recommended that you buy their tickets online to save time and money.
A. The best way to book Whirling Dervishes Show tickets is to get them online. Online ticket bookings ensure that you do not have to stand in long lines or miss your attraction on a crowded day.
A. If you book Whirling Dervishes Show tickets online, you can enjoy exclusive discounts and super flexible cancellation policies.
A. Head to the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, a 15th-century old bathhouse to enjoy the Whirling Dervishes shows. The center is near Sirkeci station.
A. 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.
A. The Whirling Dervishes show begins at 7 PM in the evening every day throughout the year at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center.
A. Yes, you need to pay the ticket fare and enter the Whirling Dervishes show.
A. 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, and the Whirling Dervishes dance show for around 45 to 50 minutes. Overall, the show is wrapped up within an hour.
A. 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.
A. It is best to reach at least 30 minutes in advance 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.
A. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the show hall, so you cannot click pictures of the whirling dervishes during their performance.
A. The Hodjapasha is a 15th-century old bathhouse in Istanbul. The venue is not accessible to visitors on wheelchairs.
A. The Whirling Dervishes is a unique spiritual dance performance that you must witness at least once in your lifetime. The Sufi mystics also called semazen, wear long, white cloaks with flowing skirts and dance to commune with the Divine.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. The Whirling Dervishes show in Istanbul is an age-old tradition that came from the 13th-century Persian poet, Jalaluddin Rumi. The Whirling Dervishes show is a unique practice, where devotees twirl on and on to commune with the Divine and reach spiritual fulfillment.