Istanbul · ISTANBUL WHIRLING DERVISH SHOWS
12 reviewed
Popular istanbul whirling dervish shows fill first when Istanbul is busy. Compare what each option includes and reserve the one that leaves enough room for the rest of your day.
Istanbul’s HodjaPasha Culture Center hosts the Mevlevi Sema, with whirling dervishes, live classical music, and a calm Ottoman bath setting.
“Very moving experience to watch the dancers in silence, gave me a fresh perspective on Sufism. A Must - Do while in Turkey.”
Watch the Mevlevi Sema at Hoca Rüstem Medrese, with live music and hypnotic whirling dervishes in about one hour.
“It was an amazing show no complaints. I was seated almost behind a pillar but I guess that’s my fault for not arriving an hour earlier.”
Whirling dervishes next to Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO Sema ceremony with live Turkish music, expert host, and tea or sherbet. 55 minutes.
“Spiritual! It takes you to another world. Very well explained at the beginning.”
Prebook for an intimate one-hour whirling dervish ceremony plus an educational exhibition on Sufi traditions and Rumi poetry.
“This is a very moving religious ceremony. The venue is small and intimate. If you are interested in other cultures and religions it is worth checking this out.”
Whirling Dervish Sema ceremony in Istanbul’s historic Hodjapasha Dance Theater, with live Sufi music, snacks and assigned seating.
“Very interesting and learning experience. Meditative . Cultural . Must see . Well organised . Site easy to reach .”
Experience the Mevlevi Sema whirling dervishes at Kızlarağa Medresesi in Sultanahmet, with music, tea, and a UNESCO-linked tradition.
“Spiritual and religious traditional music, songs and dancing ( rotating dancers ) You are too close to musicians and performers which is very sensational”
See the UNESCO-linked Mevlevi whirling dervish ceremony in Istanbul, with live music, a booklet, and a close-up, one-hour Sufi ritual.
“It was amazing, so spiritual. I’ve been wanting to see them for 20 years and finally got my chance!!!”
Watch the Mevlevi Sema whirling dervishes in Istanbul, with live soulful music and serene Bosphorus views in a one-hour show.
“it was truely a unique experience. the dance the music and the views were magnificent. its a must see. totally recommended. 10/10”
Skip-the-line tickets for a 1-hour whirling dervish ceremony in an Ottoman house near Hagia Sophia, with coffee, tea, and a Rumi booklet.
“En arrivant sur place a 18h15 pour un spectacle programmé a 18h30 on nous annonce 19h.. puis 19h20… sans aucune excuse… pas de thé ni café comme prévu… une petite tasse d’eau… salle tres petite pour le spectacle et le nombre de personnes… nous n’avons pas eu de booklet sur les dervidh tourneurs comme indiqué non plus… Choississez plutot un autre spectacle de dervish…”
See Istanbul’s UNESCO Mevlevi Sema ceremony, a one-hour spinning ritual with haunting music, held near major landmarks and on most nights.
“The show itself was good but there was no one to meet us at the meeting point - I even messaged the provider on viator through text message - we had to figure it out ourselves - we finally went to the counter and showed them my voucher for the show and even then it took us some time to get the tickets as they didn’t have them”
Watch the UNESCO Whirling Dervish ceremony at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Cultural Center, in a restored 15th-century hammam. 1 hour, $37.
Cruise Istanbul’s Golden Horn and Bosphorus past palaces and forts, then enjoy a Whirling Dervish show, plus tea, in 2 hours.
“I can say that it is the most attractive place in Istanbul. It was a great tour and very affordable price, thank you very much. The boat was clean and the staff were very welcoming, our guide was very knowledgeable and explained the history of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. I recommend it to everyone, you should definitely try Diamonds of the Bosphorus Tour.”
