Whirling Dervishes Show Istanbul | Hodjapasha & Sultanahmet

Tickets

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Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes & Sufi Dance Tickets

A spiritual Sema ceremony held beside Hagia Sophia with live Turkish music and local drinks.

Everything you get: Admission to the Whirling Dervish ceremony, live Turkish music, access to a cultural venue, and a selection of local drinks, offering a rich and atmospheric cultural experience in the heart of Istanbul.
Why choose this: A rare chance to experience 800-year-old Sufi rituals in a traditional wooden hall.
Upgrades: Add a Bosphorus cruise to pair the ceremony with Istanbul’s storied shoreline, or complement this centuries-old Sufi ritual with a traditional Turkish dinner rooted in local hospitality.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. - 3 hr.

Audio guide

A spiritual Sema ceremony held beside Hagia Sophia with live Turkish music and local drinks.

Everything you get: Admission to the Whirling Dervish ceremony, live Turkish music, access to a cultural venue, and a selection of local drinks, offering a rich and atmospheric cultural experience in the heart of Istanbul.
Why choose this: A rare chance to experience 800-year-old Sufi rituals in a traditional wooden hall.
Upgrades: Add a Bosphorus cruise to pair the ceremony with Istanbul’s storied shoreline, or complement this centuries-old Sufi ritual with a traditional Turkish dinner rooted in local hospitality.

Inclusions

Whirling Dervishes show in Sultahmet Area/Hagia Sophia Area(as per option selected)
Mevlevi Sema ceremony
90-minute Bosphorus cruise (as per option selected)
Audio guide in 10 languages (as per option selected)
Local traditional drink (tea or sherbet) and water (as per option selected)

Exclusions

Food & drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

This experience is suitable for wheelchair, pram, and stroller users.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tickets

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Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

A UNESCO-recognized Sema ceremony blending mystical music, ritual, and spiritual dance.

Everything you get: Entry to the Sema ceremony, a 5-min intro video, 10-min live Sufi music, and a 45-min whirling ritual, plus access to the exhibition featuring dervish clothing, instruments, books, interactive Rumi poems, and video displays.
Why choose this: Experience an authentic Mevlevi ritual in a peaceful, traditional setting with rich cultural insight. A must-attend experience for culture vultures and curious travelers alike, offering a deep dive into Istanbul’s rich spiritual heritage.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr.

A UNESCO-recognized Sema ceremony blending mystical music, ritual, and spiritual dance.

Everything you get: Entry to the Sema ceremony, a 5-min intro video, 10-min live Sufi music, and a 45-min whirling ritual, plus access to the exhibition featuring dervish clothing, instruments, books, interactive Rumi poems, and video displays.
Why choose this: Experience an authentic Mevlevi ritual in a peaceful, traditional setting with rich cultural insight. A must-attend experience for culture vultures and curious travelers alike, offering a deep dive into Istanbul’s rich spiritual heritage.

Inclusions

1-hour Whirling Dervish show
Entry to HodjaPasha Culture Center
Entry to the exhibition with dervish artifacts

Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your show to avoid further delays.
Photography is not allowed.
The theater is not wheelchair accessible.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Add a traditional Turkish feast to your Sufi evening

After the Whirling Dervish ceremony, indulge in a traditional Turkish feast featuring meze, fresh salads, kebab, drinks and ending on a sweet note the classic künefe.

Turkish meze platter with various dishes including hummus and spicy bulgur salad.

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Dining

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Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes with Traditional Turkish Dinner

Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s culture with a Whirling Dervish show and authentic Turkish feast after at a 140-year old restaurant.

Everything you get: A full cultural evening blending a 60-min Sema ritual inside ancient Byzantine walls followed by a traditional Turkish dinner. Dinner features. five kebabs, meze, salads, drinks, and künefe. Plus, transfers near major city districts.
Why choose this: Get a guided intro to Sufism at this Dervish ceremony set against 1650-year-old Byzantine walls. It combines Istanbul’s spiritual heritage with an authentic family-run dining experience in one seamless evening.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

3 hr.

Meals included

Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s culture with a Whirling Dervish show and authentic Turkish feast after at a 140-year old restaurant.

Everything you get: A full cultural evening blending a 60-min Sema ritual inside ancient Byzantine walls followed by a traditional Turkish dinner. Dinner features. five kebabs, meze, salads, drinks, and künefe. Plus, transfers near major city districts.
Why choose this: Get a guided intro to Sufism at this Dervish ceremony set against 1650-year-old Byzantine walls. It combines Istanbul’s spiritual heritage with an authentic family-run dining experience in one seamless evening.

Inclusions

Whirling Dervish performance
Authentic Turkish meal at historic restaurant
Small group experience limited to 10 guests

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
Carry a copy of your booking confirmation (digital or printed) for smooth entry.

What’s not allowed

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the restaurant.
Smoking is not allowed within the dining or performance areas.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Additional information

The full experience lasts for about 3.5 hours.
Please inform the restaurant in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies.
The host can communicate in English and Turkish.
The experience is suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress code is smart casual; respectful attire is recommended in line with local customs.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Combos

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Combo (Save 16%): Whirling Dervishes Tickets + Basilica Cistern Ticket with Audio Guide

Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and historic wonders in one seamless combo—skip the lines and dive deep.

Everything you get at Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance: Entry to a centuries-old theological school in Sultanahmet, witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema ceremony with live Sufi music. Enjoy tranquil prayer citations and learn about Rumi’s Mevlevi Order.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Istanbul’s ancient underground marvel. Explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
Why choose this combo: Unlock Istanbul’s soulful side and its hidden depths in one booking—save time, skip the lines, and enjoy two iconic experiences for less than booking separately.

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Audio guide

Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and historic wonders in one seamless combo—skip the lines and dive deep.

Everything you get at Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance: Entry to a centuries-old theological school in Sultanahmet, witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema ceremony with live Sufi music. Enjoy tranquil prayer citations and learn about Rumi’s Mevlevi Order.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Istanbul’s ancient underground marvel. Explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
Why choose this combo: Unlock Istanbul’s soulful side and its hidden depths in one booking—save time, skip the lines, and enjoy two iconic experiences for less than booking separately.

Inclusions Whirling Dervishes

Whirling Dervishes show next to Hagia Sophia
Mevlevi Sema ceremony

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
Self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian
Instant mobile ticket

Whirling Dervish

This experience is suitable for wheelchair, pram, and stroller users.
It is allowed to bring baggage to the venue.
It is allowed to take photographs at the venue without flash or tripods.

Basilica Cistern

Flash photography is not permitted.
Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.
Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the cistern.
The site is partially accessible; there is a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street near the tram line, but the walking path inside may be uneven in places.
Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or where the lighting is low.
There are no elevators inside the cistern, and seating is extremely limited.
Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check.
The exit leads out to a different street than the entrance; take note of your location before entering.
The lighting is intentionally dim—give your eyes a moment to adjust for better visibility and photos.

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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Combos

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Combo (Save 26%): Whirling Dervishes Tickets + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets with Audio Guide

Experience Istanbul’s soul: cruise the Bosphorus and witness a Whirling Dervish ceremony—two icons, one seamless ticket.

Everything you get at Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise: Skip the ticket line, enjoy a 90-minute cruise between Europe and Asia, spot historic and modern landmarks, and enrich your journey with an audio guide in 10 languages.
Everything you get at Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance in Sultanahmet: Step into a centuries-old theological school, experience the spiritual Mevlevi Sema ceremony with live Sufi music, and immerse yourself in Rumi’s mystical traditions.
Why choose this combo: Unlock Istanbul’s spiritual and scenic wonders in one booking—save time, skip lines, and enjoy two essential experiences for less than booking separately.

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Check availability

Audio guide

Experience Istanbul’s soul: cruise the Bosphorus and witness a Whirling Dervish ceremony—two icons, one seamless ticket.

Everything you get at Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise: Skip the ticket line, enjoy a 90-minute cruise between Europe and Asia, spot historic and modern landmarks, and enrich your journey with an audio guide in 10 languages.
Everything you get at Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance in Sultanahmet: Step into a centuries-old theological school, experience the spiritual Mevlevi Sema ceremony with live Sufi music, and immerse yourself in Rumi’s mystical traditions.
Why choose this combo: Unlock Istanbul’s spiritual and scenic wonders in one booking—save time, skip lines, and enjoy two essential experiences for less than booking separately.

Inclusions Whirling Dervish

Whirling Dervishes show next to Hagia Sophia
Mevlevi Sema ceremony

Bosphorus Cruise

90-minute Bosphorus cruise
Audio guide in 10 languages
Skip-the-line access at the pier
Meet and greet with a marine officer
Bosphorus cruise plan/map

Whirling Dervish

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
It is allowed to bring baggage to the venue.
It is allowed to take photographs at the venue without flash or tripods.

Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise

Remember to download the audio guide app beforehand as limited internet connectivity is available during the cruise. The app works offline after downloading.
Click here to download the audio guide app to your smartphone.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Frequently asked questions about the Whirling Dervishes show

What's the significance behind whirling?

Whirling is a form of moving meditation practiced by the Mevlevi Order to achieve spiritual focus and closeness to God. The continuous turning represents the soul’s journey toward truth, mirroring the rotation of planets around the sun. Through this motion, dervishes aim to quiet the ego, open the heart, and channel divine love. It’s both a ritual of devotion and a symbolic expression of harmony with the universe.

Where can I watch the Whirling Dervishes show?

You can watch the Whirling Dervishes show at Sultanahmet or Hodjapasha in Old Istanbul. Both venues are located not far from Topkapi Palace.

What is the best way to reach the Hodjapasha?

The best way to reach the Hodjapasha Cultural Center is to catch the M2 metro or board any of the buses numbered 28, 30D, 46C, 66, 99Y, and EM1 and get off at Sirkeci station.

Where did Sufism originate?

Sufism originated in the early centuries of Islam, primarily in the Middle East, with strong roots in regions like present-day Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.

What are the timings of the Whirling Dervishes show in Hodjapasha?

The Whirling Dervishes show begins at 7pm in the evening every day throughout the year at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center.

How long does the Whirling Dervishes show go on for?

The introduction speech about the Mevlevi order and Sufi order of Enlightenment may last for 5 minutes, followed by the Sufi music introduction for 10 minutes. The performance lasts for around 45 to 50 minutes. Overall, the show is wrapped up within an hour.

What is special about the Whirling Dervishes show?

The Whirling Dervishes show is a one-in-a-kind experience, as the audience has a role to play in creating the Sema atmosphere. As the audience watches the Sufi mystic pass through the stages to attain spiritual fulfillment, they also experience a shift in their energy, which contributes to making the performance a success.

How early do we have to reach to watch the Whirling Dervishes show?

It is best to reach at least 30 minutes before the Whirling Dervishes show begins. Latecomers beyond 10 minutes won’t be admitted into the venue, as it will disturb the peaceful ceremony. If you fail to reach on time, your tickets will be considered a no-show and you will not receive any refunds.

Can I take pictures of the Whirling Dervishes show?

Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the show hall, so you cannot click pictures of the whirling dervishes during their performance.

Can visitors on wheelchairs also witness the Whirling Dervishes show?

The Hodjapasha is a 15th-century old bathhouse in Istanbul. The venue is not accessible to visitors on wheelchairs.

Where can I watch Sufi performances in Istanbul?

While there are lots of Sufi performances held on the outskirts of the city, the best place to watch the Whirling Dervishes show is the Hodjapasha Cultural Center. It is a bathhouse dating back to the 15th century.

Can children watch the Whirling Dervishes show?

The Whirling Dervishes show is not appropriate for children under 7 years of age. The show depicts the various stages a Sufi mystic goes through before reaching ultimate enlightenment. The ceremony must be completed peacefully, hence children are not allowed to watch the shows.

Can I cancel my Whirling Dervishes show tickets?

If you have purchased Whirling Dervishes show tickets online, you can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins, and get a full refund on your purchase.

What are some attractions near the Whirling Dervishes show in Hodjapsha Cultural Center?

Plan a full-day tour in Istanbul, where you visit famous landmarks like Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, and Hagia Sophia, and catch the Whirling Dervishes show in Hodjapasha Cultural center at 7 in the evening.