Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
4033 reviews
Activity provider:
HodjaPasha Culture Center
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Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
4033 reviews

Witness the Mevlevi Sema ceremony in Istanbul. Enjoy a complex musical repertoire, see the whirling dervishes, and go on a journey representing man’s spiritual ascent through thoughts and love.

About this ticket

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Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
E
Elizabeth – United States

This was a great opportunity to learn about a spiritual side to Islam. I found it very moving.

5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Stephanie – United States

great for the price! really feels like you're witnessing something cultural and spiritual

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • See an extraordinary dance show that dates back 800 years
  • Enter the HodjaPasha Culture Center,a restored 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath
  • Watch the miraculous whirling dervishes and enjoy a fantastic musical repertoire
  • Learn about the Mevlevi Sema spiritual journey
  • Experience the show's unique ambiance while sipping on complimentary drinks

Full description

Witness the Mevlevi Sema ceremony at the HodjaPasha Culture Center in central Istanbul and see the whirling dances and dervishes. Enjoy complimentary drinks during the show.
Step inside a 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath in Sultanahmet-Sirkeci and take your place. Learn more about the Mevlevi Sema from the provided booklet.

Marvel at this cultural dance that dates back 800 years. The program begins with a classical Turkish music concert. See the dervishes and sheikh take their place and praise the Prophet Mohammed.
Following the chant, hear the drum voice as the dervishes perform the seven-part Sema ceremony which represents the birth of humanity. The Sema ends with a Fâtiha for the souls of all prophets, martyrs, and believers, and a prayer for the salvation of the country.

Includes

  • Mevlevei Sema ceremony ticket
  • Program booklet
  • Bottled drinking water

Not suitable for

  • Children under 7 years
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

Hodjapasha Culture Center

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Photography inside

Know before you go

  • Children under the age of 7 are not permitted
  • No disruption in the performance is permitted; taking photographs, talking during the ceremony, and applause are prohibited
  • Seats are allocated on the basis of first booked first served
Save up to 20%

From $40 $32 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5
4.4 out of 5 stars

based on 4033 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.2/5
  • Value for money
    4.1/5

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5
5 out of 5 stars
E
Elizabeth – United StatesJuly 4, 2025 – Verified booking
This was a great opportunity to learn about a spiritual side to Islam. I found it very moving.
5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Stephanie – United StatesJune 30, 2025 – Verified booking
great for the price! really feels like you're witnessing something cultural and spiritual
5
5 out of 5 stars
D
David – United KingdomJune 16, 2025 – Verified booking
It was a genuinely spiritual experience without the expected touristy vibe. Really well staged and the information in the exhibition was just right. I’d say a ‘must do’ experience.

Product ID: 21283

Activity provider:
HodjaPasha Culture Center

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