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Entrance Ticket
Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
Provider:
Experience the UNESCO-recognized Mevlevi Sema and Whirling Dervishes ceremony at the historic Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Sirkeci. This 60-minute cultural experience takes place inside a restored Ottoman hammam and includes Sufi music and exhibition access.
About this activity
Highlights
- Witness the UNESCO-recognized Mevlevi Sema ceremony inside a beautifully restored Ottoman hammam venue.
- Experience the Whirling Dervishes ritual accompanied by live traditional Sufi music performance in Istanbul.
- Explore the Dervish Experience Exhibition before the show and learn about Rumi’s philosophy.
- Enjoy an intimate cultural experience in the historic Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Sirkeci district.
- Discover a peaceful spiritual ceremony that reflects centuries of Turkish cultural and mystical tradition.
Full description
Experience the Mevlevi Sema ceremony, a spiritual tradition recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, inside the historic Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Istanbul’s Sirkeci district. This unique performance takes place in a beautifully restored 550-year-old Ottoman hammam, originally built in the 1470s by a vizier of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. The stone architecture, domed ceiling, and intimate atmosphere create a setting that many visitors describe as mesmerizing, peaceful, and deeply memorable.
Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before the performance to visit the Dervish Experience Exhibition located in the foyer. This exhibition introduces the philosophy behind the ceremony through Rumi’s poetry, traditional musical instruments, historical garments, and symbolic objects, helping visitors better understand the meaning of the ritual before it begins. Many guests find this part of the experience informative and essential for appreciating the ceremony.
The program starts with a short introduction video, followed by a live Sufi music performance that prepares the audience for the ceremony. The highlight of the evening is the Whirling Dervishes performance, where trained semazens perform the Mevlevi Sema ritual, representing the spiritual journey of the human soul toward love, unity, and perfection. Rather than a theatrical show, the ceremony is presented as a solemn cultural and spiritual tradition.
Seating is arranged around a circular performance area, allowing guests to observe the ceremony respectfully from close proximity in an intimate environment. The total experience lasts approximately one hour, including the exhibition visit and performance program.
To preserve the spiritual atmosphere of the ceremony, photography is not permitted, and late entry is only allowed during the first few minutes of the performance. This experience offers a meaningful opportunity to witness one of the most authentic Istanbul cultural experiences in a historic setting.
Includes
- Entrance ticket to the Mevlevi Sema ceremony
- Program booklet about the ceremony
- Complimentary bottled water
Meeting point
Important information
Not suitable for
- Children under 7 years
Not allowed
- Photography and video recording
Know before you go
- Guests are recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show to visit the Dervish Experience Exhibition.
- The total experience lasts approximately 60 minutes, including the exhibition visit and performance.
- Latecomers are only permitted entry during the first 10 minutes of the ceremony.
- To preserve the spiritual atmosphere of the ceremony, silence is expected during the performance.
- Seating is arranged around the circular performance area inside the historic venue.