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Book Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets
- Visit the historic Kizlaragasi Medrese located in the heart of Istanbul for an unbelievable performance of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony.
- Discover a performance telling the journey of man's spiritual ascent to perfection, accompanied by music at the Kizlaragasi Medrese in the heart of Istanbul.
- Feel hypnotized by the soulful dance performance of the Whirling Dervishes and appreciate their sacred dance ritual that dates back to the 12th century.
- Get acquainted with the age-old traditions and rituals of the Mevlevi Order and embark on a profound spiritual journey along with the performers.
- Visit the historic Kizlaragasi Medrese located in the heart of Istanbul for an unbelievable performance of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony.
- Discover a performance telling the journey of man's spiritual ascent to perfection, accompanied by music at the Kizlaragasi Medrese in the heart of Istanbul.
- Feel hypnotized by the soulful dance performance of the Whirling Dervishes and appreciate their sacred dance ritual that dates back to the 12th century.
- Get acquainted with the age-old traditions and rituals of the Mevlevi Order and embark on a profound spiritual journey along with the performers.
Inclusions
- Entry to Kizlaragasi Medrese
- Complimentary drinks
- Tip: Since a lot of symbolism is used during the ceremony, it helps to read up on the Sema or the history and customs of the ritual.
- Photography is allowed during this experience.
- This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Witness Istanbul’s sacred Whirling Dervishes in a centuries-old Sufi ceremony.
- Everything you get: Step into a historic Sufi lodge where you’ll witness the sacred Mevlevi Sema ceremony. As enchanting music fills the air, semazens whirl in a spiritual trance, embodying centuries of mysticism. Learn about Rumi’s legacy and experience Istanbul’s rich religious heritage.
- Why choose this: A rare chance to experience authentic Sufi rituals in a historic setting, immersing you in Istanbul’s spiritual heritage."
- Upgrades: Add a Bosphorus cruise combo—save time and money while enjoying Istanbul’s iconic skyline by sea.
Witness Istanbul’s sacred Whirling Dervishes in a centuries-old Sufi ceremony.
- Everything you get: Step into a historic Sufi lodge where you’ll witness the sacred Mevlevi Sema ceremony. As enchanting music fills the air, semazens whirl in a spiritual trance, embodying centuries of mysticism. Learn about Rumi’s legacy and experience Istanbul’s rich religious heritage.
- Why choose this: A rare chance to experience authentic Sufi rituals in a historic setting, immersing you in Istanbul’s spiritual heritage."
- Upgrades: Add a Bosphorus cruise combo—save time and money while enjoying Istanbul’s iconic skyline by sea.
Inclusions
- Whirling Dervishes show in Sultahmet Area/Hagia Sophia (as per option selected)
- Mevlevi Sema ceremony
- 90-minute Bosphorus cruise (as per option selected)
- Audio guide in 10 languages (as per option selected)
- Skip-the-line access at the pier (as per option selected)
- Bosphorus cruise plan/map (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- This experience is suitable for wheelchair, pram, and stroller users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 2 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 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.
- 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 HodjaPasha Culture Center
- Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your show to avoid further delays.
- 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.
Combo (Save 16%): Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets
from €59.50
€49.78
16% off
- This pocket-friendly combo includes tickets to a Whirling Dervish show and the Hagia Sophia - perfect for an immersive Turkish cultural experience.
- See the graceful twirls of Whirling Dervishes in a historic Madrasah, their white gowns symbolizing a letting go of the earthly world.
- The ancient Sema ceremony takes place in a historic Madrasah in the center of old Istanbul, just a short walk from Topkapi Palace.
- Explore Hagia Sophia at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide to uncover its stories, like those of the columns brought from ancient cities.
- Stand beneath the grand Emperor's Gate once used by Byzantine emperors, and look out for the Arabic calligraphy that adorns the walls.
- This pocket-friendly combo includes tickets to a Whirling Dervish show and the Hagia Sophia - perfect for an immersive Turkish cultural experience.
- See the graceful twirls of Whirling Dervishes in a historic Madrasah, their white gowns symbolizing a letting go of the earthly world.
- The ancient Sema ceremony takes place in a historic Madrasah in the center of old Istanbul, just a short walk from Topkapi Palace.
- Explore Hagia Sophia at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide to uncover its stories, like those of the columns brought from ancient cities.
- Stand beneath the grand Emperor's Gate once used by Byzantine emperors, and look out for the Arabic calligraphy that adorns the walls.
Inclusions
Whirling Dervish Show
- Entry to 1-hour Whirling Dervish show
Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
- Audio guide in 23 languages
Whirling Dervish Show
- Tip: After the show, check out the Sultanahmet neighborhood nearby for traditional Ottoman dishes like "Dolma" (stuffed grape leaves) or "Baklava" for dessert.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Hagia Sophia
- Tip: For an immersive experience, consider traditional calligraphy workshops in the Sultanahmet or Eminonu neighborhoods, just a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
IstanbulWhirling Dervishes Show
Make the most of Istanbul
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.
Which Whirling Dervish show ticket is best for you?
If you want an immersive spiritual experience
Go for: Whirling Dervish Show tickets at Sultanahmet or Hodjapasha
Duration: 1 hour
Audio guide: No
- Enjoy a deeply spiritual and graceful 1-hour whirling dervishes show by the Mevlevi Order in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet or Hodjapasha areas.
- Experience a captivating blend of dance, music, and spirituality and get a glimpse into the mystical world of Sufism.
Recommended tickets:
If you want a comprehensive cultural experience
Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible (1 hour Whirling Dervish Show)
Audio guide: Yes
- Enjoy a mesmerising 1-hour Sufi performance of the Mevlevi Order at a historic madrasah in Old Istanbul.
- These combo tickets also include a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s most iconic historical landmark, where you can learn more about religion and spirituality.
Recommended tickets:
Plan your visit to the Whirling Dervishes Show
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Visitor tips
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. 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.
- 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.
- Use the washroom before: The 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.
- 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. Children under 7 years of age are not allowed in the show.
- Wear appropriate clothing: It is best to cover your knees and shoulders when you attend a religious show.
Explore beyond the Whirling Dervishes show
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
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
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
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 PalaceFrequently asked questions about the Whirling Dervishes show
Can I buy Whirling Dervishes show tickets online?
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.
What is the best way to buy Whirling Dervishes show tickets?
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.
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.
What are the timings of the Whirling Dervishes show in Hodjapasha?
The Whirling Dervishes show begins at 7 PM 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.
What is a unique experience I can try in Istanbul?
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.
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.
Is the Whirling Dervishes show worth watching?
Absolutely! The Whirling Dervishes show in Istanbul is an age-old tradition that came from the 13th-century Persian poet, Jalaluddin Rumi. It is a unique practice, where devotees twirl on and on to commune with the Divine and reach spiritual fulfillment.