When are you travelling?

Search

Find your next adventure

  • When are you travelling?

Authentic Whirling Dervish Ceremony, A Mystical Sufi Experience

Istanbul, Turkey
1 hour
(69)
Art & Culture
|
Walking Tours
|
Attractions and Museums
|
Tickets & Passes
|
Theatre & Shows
|
Music
|
History
Date
Thursday
April 17, 2025
Change date
Time
7:00 pm
Options
Authentic Whirling Dervish Ceremony, A Mystical Sufi Experience
Child
Ages: 7-11 years old
0
Adult
Ages: 12-99 years old
2
Checking availability

What You Will Do

The Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul is a mesmerizing and captivating spiritual practice that has been going on for centuries. It is an ancient Sufi ritual that originated in the 13th century with the founding of the Mevlevi Order by the Persian poet Rumi. The ceremony takes place in a mystical setting, usually in a beautiful and ornate hall known as a tekke. The tekke is adorned with carpets, candles, and other symbolic objects that set the ambiance for the event. The audience gathers in anticipation, eager to witness the profound and mystical experience that is about to unfold. The Whirling Dervishes, also known as semazen, are dressed in traditional white robes, symbolizing purity and detachment from material belongings. They wear tall felt hats called sikkes, representing the tombstones of the ego, which they remove before performing the dance. The dervishes enter the hall in a procession, creating an ethereal atmosphere as they slowly take their places.

What's Included?

  • Entry/Admission - Hodjapasha Cultural Center
  • Bottled water
  • Multi National Booklet

What's Not Included?

  • Food
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Itinerary

Meeting Point

Hodjapasha Cultural Center, Hoca Pasa Mh. Hocapasa Hamami Sokak No: 3/B, Sirkeci

1

Hodjapasha Cultural Center

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema Ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha and witness the 800-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the Whirling Dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals during an hour-long show, including a live orchestra and 360-video projections.


Additional Information

This activity is operated by Tourmania
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children under 7 years of age are not allowed

Guide Options

  • Printed Guide - German
  • Printed Guide - English

Other Things To Do Nearby

From
$1,365
Earn 6,827 Marriott Bonvoy points
From
$320
Earn 1,599 Marriott Bonvoy points
From
$374
Earn 1,872 Marriott Bonvoy points
From
$485
Earn 2,425 Marriott Bonvoy points

Travel Further & Discover More...

Car rental powered by

Book now