Entry ticket

Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show

Entry ticket

Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show

Activity provider: HodjaPasha Culture Center

From US$ 37 per person

See the stunning Mevlevei Sema ceremony in Istanbul. Enjoy a complex musical repertoire with whirling dervishes and go on a mystical dance journey representing man’s spiritual ascent through mind, love, and perfection.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times.

Experience

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
  • Ticket to the ceremony
  • Program booklet
  • Complementary drinks
    Not suitable for
    • Children under 7 years
    • Wheelchair users

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Start your activity at Hocapaşa Culture Center, which is located about 100 meters from the Sirkeci Tram Stop.

    Open in Google Maps ⟶
    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
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.3 /5

    based on 1727 reviews

    Review summary

    • Value for money
      4.1/5
    • Service
      4.5/5
    • Organization
      4.5/5

    Sort by:

    Traveler type:

    Star rating:

    It is an experience that should not be missed. It is a cultural and religious performance in one performance and I enjoyed it a lot even though no photo and video recording allowed. The show started on time and the audience were seated in advance . It is not a big hall hence we could see the performers very clearly.

    March 24, 2023

    Magical night and impressive skills by the dancers, being able to spin for so long. Amazing journey back in history. Definitely recommend when comes to Istanbul. Culture that should never be forgotten. The only set back is that we are not allowed to take pictures or videos which is a shame as this cultural dance should be shared with the world. I understand the reason is to avoid disruption to this holy storytelling, but they could have said no flash photography and keep the phone on silence which is suffice in my opinion. **Kids should not be allowed - worst than photography/video**

    Read more

    March 24, 2023

    This was a very moving & spiritual experience & can be so if you allow it to be. Surrender what you think it’s going to - it’s not a ‘show’ - it’s a beautiful meditative tradition which for that hour, you are able to immerse yourself in. You have to leave the outside world at the door. The building is a little difficult to find as its nestled between shops & their is a masjid nearby with a similar name so give yourself extra time to locate it. I loved watching the whirling dervishes & understanding what each move means from the projections on the wall of this amazing building steeped in history. The live musicians & Quranic recital was beautiful. Definitely something to do once - may not be of interest to kids or those expecting a western type theatrical show. You get to spend time afterwards reading up on the Mevlevi order through an exhibition outside the main hall. Definitely worth doing!

    Read more

    March 24, 2023

    Product ID: 21283