Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show

Experience the Mevlevi Sema ceremony at Istanbul’s historic HodjaPasha Center. Enjoy a captivating dance by whirling dervishes, Turkish music, and complimentary drinks in a unique cultural setting.

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

Included/Excluded

Included/Excluded

  • Ticket to the ceremony
  • Program booklet
  • Complementary drinks
  • Children under 7 years
  • Wheelchair users

Important information

Tour Plan

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.

Additional Info

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
Meeting point

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

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.