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Book Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets
- Visit the historic Kizlaragasi Medrese located in the heart of Istanbul for an unbelievable performance of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony.
- Discover a performance telling the journey of man's spiritual ascent to perfection, accompanied by music at the Kizlaragasi Medrese in the heart of Istanbul.
- Feel hypnotized by the soulful dance performance of the Whirling Dervishes and appreciate their sacred dance ritual that dates back to the 12th century.
- Get acquainted with the age-old traditions and rituals of the Mevlevi Order and embark on a profound spiritual journey along with the performers.
- Visit the historic Kizlaragasi Medrese located in the heart of Istanbul for an unbelievable performance of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony.
- Discover a performance telling the journey of man's spiritual ascent to perfection, accompanied by music at the Kizlaragasi Medrese in the heart of Istanbul.
- Feel hypnotized by the soulful dance performance of the Whirling Dervishes and appreciate their sacred dance ritual that dates back to the 12th century.
- Get acquainted with the age-old traditions and rituals of the Mevlevi Order and embark on a profound spiritual journey along with the performers.
Inclusions
- Entry to Kizlaragasi Medrese
- Complimentary drinks
- Tip: Since a lot of symbolism is used during the ceremony, it helps to read up on the Sema or the history and customs of the ritual.
- Photography is allowed during this experience.
- This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- A must-attend for culture vultures, everywhere,
- Catch the Istanbul Whirling Dervish Show for a thoroughly invigorating experience.
- Deep-rooted in Sufi tradition, this performance will take you on a spiritual journey.
- Watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi order, a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity.
- Pay attention to the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony that expresses various stages on the path to attaining spirituality.
- A must-attend for culture vultures, everywhere,
- Catch the Istanbul Whirling Dervish Show for a thoroughly invigorating experience.
- Deep-rooted in Sufi tradition, this performance will take you on a spiritual journey.
- Watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi order, a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity.
- Pay attention to the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony that expresses various stages on the path to attaining spirituality.
Inclusions
- 1-hour Whirling Dervish Show
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Entry to HodjaPasha Culture Center
- Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your show to avoid further delays.
- The experience is restricted for guests aged 7 and under.
- 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.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.3
96 ratings
54
30
5
4
3
What our guests say
Griehser
Nov 2024Verified booking
The orchestra, the singer and the dancers in an intimate atmosphere. There weren't too many people in the room, which was much appreciated. The.duration.of.the.show.was.perfect.
View original review in French
Ricardo
Oct 2024Verified booking
First, the ease of managing the reservation; second, the friendliness of the staff; and the show itself, which with its music and dervishes encourages you to delve deeper into this experience and seek more information about its meaning.
View original review in Spanish
Silvia
Jun 2024Verified booking
The presentation itself, the Sufi philosophy. We were well received and were able to see the presentation from a good location. It was just a bit difficult to locate the place
View original review in Portuguese
FRANCESCA
May 2024Verified booking
Experience that takes you into the real Turkish world, at the time of booking seats are allocated which will be announced on the day of the performance, presenting the reservation either printed or via app they will issue you on the second floor at the cashiers, tickets with seat numbers, an attendant will help you find your seat, water is provided before the performance. You cannot take photos and videos and clap during the performance itself. Excellent reservation with Headout which provides explanations on time meeting point, easy to use app recommended as always, I recommend arriving at least 15 minutes earlier not more, on the second floor they sell gadgets
View original review in Italian
Annika
May 2024Verified booking
It was very unique and gave a great insight into the Derwish ceremony. There were also background information presented. The seats and sight onto the stage were good. Free drinking water was accessible.
CHANE-SON
Nov 2024Verified booking
Extraordinary! It was spellbinding to witness Rumi's legacy.
View original review in French
Carolyn
Oct 2024Verified booking
It was hard to find but well worth it when we finally found it.
michelle
Oct 2024Verified booking
The serenity of the moment, the place, the music, the whirling dervishes.
View original review in French
Alenka
Jun 2024Verified booking
Small group of people in audience, nice place in all building. It was easy to buy tickets and to get tickets.
Leila
Apr 2024Verified booking
The spiritual music, songs, dance and environment. Thank you
MARTA
Apr 2024Verified booking
I liked the show and the space. What I found uncomfortable were the chairs in the back row.
View original review in Spanish
Alessandra
Apr 2024Verified booking
Perfect organization. The customer office responded immediately to my inquiries.Very impressive show
View original review in Italian
Tom
Dec 2023Verified booking
Really nice experience, I recommend it to everyone!
Atx
Dec 2024Verified booking
Giovanna
Nov 2024Verified booking
Enrico
Nov 2024Verified booking
Cafaro
Oct 2024Verified booking
Vanya
Sep 2024Verified booking
Phillip
Sep 2024Verified booking
Marco
Sep 2024Verified booking
Shota
Aug 2024Verified booking
Antonio
Jul 2024Verified booking
Rossignol
Jul 2024Verified booking
Shyamala
Jul 2024Verified booking
Michela
Jul 2024Verified booking
- A magical night awaits you as you get a chance to feast on tasty kebabs, witness a Dervish ceremony, and tour the ancient streets of Istanbul.
- Take a few bites of some perfectly grilled meats, freshly baked bread, and delicious dips to get a glimpse of Turkish cuisine.
- Be spellbound by the breathtaking performance of the Whirling Dervishes, a ceremony that dates back to the 13th century.
- Soak in the history and culture of Istanbul by going on a guided tour of the Old City and seeing landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace and Blue Mosque.
- A magical night awaits you as you get a chance to feast on tasty kebabs, witness a Dervish ceremony, and tour the ancient streets of Istanbul.
- Take a few bites of some perfectly grilled meats, freshly baked bread, and delicious dips to get a glimpse of Turkish cuisine.
- Be spellbound by the breathtaking performance of the Whirling Dervishes, a ceremony that dates back to the 13th century.
- Soak in the history and culture of Istanbul by going on a guided tour of the Old City and seeing landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace and Blue Mosque.
Inclusions
- 2-hour guided tour of Old Town
- 60-minute Dervish ceremony
Exclusions
- Traditional kebab dinner (at an additional cost)
- Tip: You can shop for some spices, Turkish rugs, lamps and jewelry for your loved ones at Grand Bazaar in Old Town after your guided tour.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo (Save 16%): Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets
from €59.50
€49.78
16% off
- This pocket-friendly combo includes tickets to a Whirling Dervish show and the Hagia Sophia - perfect for an immersive Turkish cultural experience.
- See the graceful twirls of Whirling Dervishes in a historic Madrasah, their white gowns symbolizing a letting go of the earthly world.
- The ancient Sema ceremony takes place in a historic Madrasah in the center of old Istanbul, just a short walk from Topkapi Palace.
- Explore Hagia Sophia at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide to uncover its stories, like those of the columns brought from ancient cities.
- Stand beneath the grand Emperor's Gate once used by Byzantine emperors, and look out for the Arabic calligraphy that adorns the walls.
- This pocket-friendly combo includes tickets to a Whirling Dervish show and the Hagia Sophia - perfect for an immersive Turkish cultural experience.
- See the graceful twirls of Whirling Dervishes in a historic Madrasah, their white gowns symbolizing a letting go of the earthly world.
- The ancient Sema ceremony takes place in a historic Madrasah in the center of old Istanbul, just a short walk from Topkapi Palace.
- Explore Hagia Sophia at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide to uncover its stories, like those of the columns brought from ancient cities.
- Stand beneath the grand Emperor's Gate once used by Byzantine emperors, and look out for the Arabic calligraphy that adorns the walls.
Inclusions
Whirling Dervish Show
- Entry to 1-hour Whirling Dervish show
Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
- Audio guide in 23 languages
Whirling Dervish Show
- Tip: After the show, check out the Sultanahmet neighborhood nearby for traditional Ottoman dishes like "Dolma" (stuffed grape leaves) or "Baklava" for dessert.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Hagia Sophia
- Tip: For an immersive experience, consider traditional calligraphy workshops in the Sultanahmet or Eminonu neighborhoods, just a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
3.9
329 ratings
148
91
23
30
37
What our guests say
Manas
Nov 2024Verified booking
It was very well organised. There was a gentalman who explained the ceremony and even waited for Q & As at the end The musicians were superb and the dervishs were breathtaking definitely worth a visit
Miguel
Oct 2024Verified booking
An enchanting moment. The only problem was finding the place, as the map link took us a bit further. Aim.for.the.basilica.cistern.and.walk.50m.down.the.same.sidewalk. White.gate.just.before.imperial.tour.operator.
View original review in French
Asma
Oct 2024Verified booking
Hello, I had trouble finding the location. The geolocation on the app was unreliable! Very nice show
View original review in French
CARLOS
Sep 2024Verified booking
The Dervish show was very good. Both buying the tickets and presenting them at the entrance went very smoothly.
View original review in Portuguese
Christopher
Sep 2024Verified booking
Great audio tour that introduced so much history and directed us to fascinating areas of the Hagia Sophia, such as the Viking graffiti. Wonderful to be able to skip such an enormous queue to get in, well worth it!
Giuseppe
Sep 2024Verified booking
In fact, I saved a few minutes at the ticket line, although I then lost the time as it was not clear to me where I had to pick up the ticket.... So, overall, it was not helpful to me at all.
View original review in Italian
Peter
Aug 2024Verified booking
Just sering this fantastic monument to human creativity. It would be good to include the best stop on the T2 line to get off for your ticket "booth". We got off one stop esrly snd had a long hit upholl hike to find you.
John
Aug 2024Verified booking
THe performance was beautiful. It began with a quartet offering a traditional musical prelude. Another quartet accompanied the dancers themselves, and the performance was mesmerizing. Our host spoke of the performance afterwards and offered to answer questions.
Patricia
Aug 2024Verified booking
It was an experience, not a performance, that in itself, with the cultural and religious significance it was very moving. It gave a deeper understanding of an ancient tradition and meditation. Would definitely recommend to anyone who can respect and appreciate different cultures and religion.
Pasquale
Aug 2024Verified booking
8€ pre-sale is too much. I jumped the queue but there was no audio guide other than the one already available to users
View original review in Italian
greta
Aug 2024Verified booking
The waiting time was reasonable, the mosque is amazing, once inside I had enough time to visit it. I would have preferred to know that on Friday the Mosque is closed from 12 to 14.30 so that I could arrange my schedule accordingly.
Salua
Jul 2024Verified booking
The purchase process was fast. We used the audio guide and it was good. It could have a little more information but it was good. Also recommended the interactive museum. We went early and there was no line.
View original review in Spanish
Joanna
Jul 2024Verified booking
A very convenient option to visit the monument. There was no problem at all at the entrance. There is a lot of information inside, so you can expand your knowledge. It's a pity that the space on the ground floor is not open to visitors.
Ali
Jul 2024Verified booking
The dance show was nice, however it missed explanation and information about the dance, history، why this dance was established, meanings behind each move, .. etc. This can be done in different ways; a person explaining before and after the show, or by text on the screen in different languages including English.
ZASIADCZYK
Jul 2024Verified booking
Easy to collect tickets. No queuing at all. Of course, the visit was superb, thanks to a mythical monument.
View original review in French
Vekshana
Jun 2024Verified booking
Easy to get there and to collect the tickets. Audio guide app doesn't work. There are some QR codes inside the mosque that you can use for explanations of certain things in there
Alberto
Jun 2024Verified booking
The music and the dance very well, but the room is terrible, with advertising in the background, photos projected in a meaningless loop that breaks the magic of the dance, a shame.
View original review in Spanish
Tariq
May 2024Verified booking
The whirling dance and some of the music was good. I noticed some people in the audiance seemed bored with formalities or rituals, although it's part of the sufi culture. I wasn't sure if I was at the correct venue. I received a private message to come to the following address: Kızlarağa Medresesi https://goo.gl/maps/KVcU5y6yUGtbTzPRA This was different to the one I received from Headout.
Sarah
May 2024Verified booking
We had an awesome tour of the Blue Mosque - the guide was very good and enjoyable Bosphorus trip on our first day The second day we had an ok experience on the Hagia Sophia tour - the guide was not nearly so good - I felt he was lecturing us rather than guiding us - there was far too much information, far too much theatrics, far too many pregnant pauses - there was no understanding that some people on the tour could not speak English, some people on the tour had a plane to catch and one person on the tour could not physically walk fast enough. The guide was going to say his bit and go and his own pace We had a great tour of the Basilica Cistern and the Palace - the guide for the Palace was as perfectly balanced as our first guide so 2 out of 3 awesomes and one good!
Kim
May 2024Verified booking
Didn't have to wait long to gain entry. Interesting mosque. Thought there was to be an audio guide but this didn't happen. Also, it would be useful if your website advised that buying tickets online isn't what is assumed. Having to go to a kiosk to collect tickets really isn't an online ticket as expected.
Althea
May 2024Verified booking
It was a lovely experience. I didn't have roaming mobile data. I would have liked to have separate audio guidance included in the ticket price.
Lynne
May 2024Verified booking
So glad we found these online tickets! We visited later in the day, which meant limited remaining open time, so we only had to wait in the long security line. Ww would have liked to have more guidance, or an escort, regarding where to go after picking up the tickets, but we figured it out. The audio tour was only for one person and there were two of us, so that was only OK. That said, getting to visit the Hagia Sophia was wonderful and well worth the effort to get there.
Jose
May 2024Verified booking
The whole architectural structure of the Mosque it's impressive. The Christian Mosaic Art remains took me back to times and remind me that the mosque was built to celebrate the life and divinity of our Jesus Christ, and Mother Mary
Carlo
May 2024Verified booking
Coda chilometrica saltata!!!!! Esperienza vincente. Per il resto, una volta entrati, nessun ulteriore vamtaggio ma neanche alcun problema. L'app che funge da audioguida invece, pur essendo abbastanza valida come contenuti, è farraginosa e poco funzionale: da rivedere.
Jennifer
Apr 2024Verified booking
Ticketing experience was good- clear instructions as to where to go. Performance was terrific and gave spectators a look into this practice. Thankyou
IstanbulWhirling Dervishes Show
Top things to do in Istanbul
Why experience a Whirling Dervishes show?
- Witness the spiritual journey of Sufi mystics: Sufi mystics perform a form of prayer, letting their worldly attachments fall with the twirling motion to commune with the Divine. During the Whirling Dervishes show, you can watch the stages through which a Sufi mystic passes before reaching the highest order of fulfillment.
- Learn about the Mevlevi Order: The Persian-born Jalaluddin Rumi inspired the Mevlevi Order, a renowned sect of Sufi dancers. Today’s Sufi dancers enact a performative version of the 13th-century Mevlevi tradition. The accompanying music consists of a singer, a cymbal player, a kettle drummer, and a flute player.
- Marvel at the dervishes’ dresses: The Sufi dancers wear long, white robes with skirts that represent their shrouded egos. Their hats, brown or black depending on their religious sect are called sikke.
- Feel unparalleled enlightenment: The Whirling Dervishes show is an unforgettable experience that lets you experience a semblance of nirvana. The ambiance of the whirling dervishes coupled with soothing prayer recitals makes one's heart calm.
Which Whirling Dervish show ticket is best for you?
If you want an immersive spiritual experience
Go for: Whirling Dervish Show tickets at Sultanahmet or Hodjapasha
Duration: 1 hour
Audio guide: No
- Enjoy a deeply spiritual and graceful 1-hour whirling dervishes show by the Mevlevi Order in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet or Hodjapasha areas.
- Experience a captivating blend of dance, music, and spirituality and get a glimpse into the mystical world of Sufism.
Recommended tickets:
If you want a comprehensive cultural experience
Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible (1 hour Whirling Dervish Show)
Audio guide: Yes
- Enjoy a mesmerising 1-hour Sufi performance of the Mevlevi Order at a historic madrasah in Old Istanbul.
- These combo tickets also include a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s most iconic historical landmark, where you can learn more about religion and spirituality.
Recommended tickets:
Plan your visit to the Whirling Dervishes Show
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Visitor tips
Saturday to Sunday: 7 PM
Duration: 1 hour
- Introduction about the Mevlevi Order: 5 mins
- Sufi music concert: 10 mins
- Whirling Dervishes show: 45 mins
Note:
- Spend some time at the exhibition before the show starts. You will find interactive video shows, personal books, clothing, and other souvenirs to make your experience memorable.
- Make sure to reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the show starts. Latecomers are allowed to enter only during the first 10 minutes of the show. Post 15 minutes, they will be regarded as no-shows and the ticket price will not be refunded.
Address: Hodja Pasha, Hodja Pasha Mahallesi Ankara Caddesi, Hodja Pasha Hamamı Sk. No:3 D: B, 34110 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
- By bus: 28, 30D, 46C, 66, 99Y, EM1
Nearest Stop: Sirkeci - By train: Marmaray (Atakoy to Pendik) or Marmaray (Halkali to Gebze)
Nearest Stop: Sirkeci station - By tram: T1
Nearest Stop: Sirkeci station - By metro: M2
Nearest Stop: Sirkeci station
- Accessibility: The Hodjapasha Cultural Center is a 15th-century bath house that hosts the Whirling Dervish shows. The venue is not accessible to visitors on wheelchairs. If you need a wheelchair-friendly location, make sure you book tickets for the Sultanahmet venue.
- Photography: There is a strict no-gadget policy inside the venue once the show begins. You have to leave your cellphones and cameras outside. You cannot click pictures during the show.
- Flexible cancellations: If you book Whirling Dervishes show tickets online, you can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the show begins, and get a full refund on your purchase.
- Reach early: Aim to reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the show begins to settle in comfortably. Latecomers are allowed to enter only during the first 10 minutes of the show. After 15 minutes, they will be regarded as no-shows and the ticket price will not be refunded.
- Put away your gadgets: Put your mobile phones on silent and maintain decorum after the show begins. Visitors are not permitted to take pictures or record during the show.
- Use the washroom before: The show goes on for an hour. Taking a bathroom break will disrupt the peaceful ceremony, so make sure to use the washroom before the show starts.
- Age restrictions: The Whirling Dervishes show is a form of spinning meditation that shows the various stages a Sufi mystic goes through to attain eternal enlightenment. Children under 7 years of age are not allowed in the show.
- Wear appropriate clothing: It is best to cover your knees and shoulders when you attend a religious show.
Explore beyond the Whirling Dervishes show
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia, an orthodox church-turned-mosque, is a splendid marvel of Byzantine architecture. It boasts a stunning dome and exquisite mosaics, reflecting its rich history.
Visit the Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir in Istanbul has an eerie beauty. Supported by marble columns, it once supplied water to the Byzantine Great Palace.
Explore the Basilica Cistern
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace, Istanbul's former imperial residence, showcases Ottoman opulence. Its sprawling grounds feature ornate courtyards, impressive architecture, and exhibits displaying artifacts from the Sultans' era.
Visit the Topkapi Palace
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of Ottoman grandeur on the Bosphorus, served as the modern palace for Ottoman sultans. Its European-influenced design and lavish interiors captivate visitors.
Explore the Dolmabahce PalaceFrequently asked questions about the Whirling Dervishes show
Can I buy Whirling Dervishes show tickets online?
Yes, you can book Whirling Dervishes show tickets online. In fact, it is recommended that you buy their tickets online to save time and money.
What is the best way to buy Whirling Dervishes show tickets?
The best way to book Whirling Dervishes show tickets is to get them online. Online ticket bookings ensure that you do not have to stand in long lines or miss your attraction on a crowded day.
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.
What are the timings of the Whirling Dervishes show in Hodjapasha?
The Whirling Dervishes show begins at 7 PM 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.
What is a unique experience I can try in Istanbul?
The Whirling Dervishes is a unique spiritual dance performance that you must witness at least once in your lifetime. The Sufi mystics also called semazen, wear long, white cloaks with flowing skirts and dance to commune with the Divine.
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.
Is the Whirling Dervishes show worth watching?
Absolutely! The Whirling Dervishes show in Istanbul is an age-old tradition that came from the 13th-century Persian poet, Jalaluddin Rumi. It is a unique practice, where devotees twirl on and on to commune with the Divine and reach spiritual fulfillment.