Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Istanbul, Turkey
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at a Mevlevi Sema ceremony, held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Culture Center. Have the special chance to witness the 750-year-old tradition, which has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the sight of the whirling dervishes as they perform their unique rituals during a show with a live orchestra.
- Prebook your admission tickets to guarantee your entry
- Learn about Sufi traditions, Rumi poetry, and more at the exhibition
- Enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening out at this whirling dervish show
- Check off one of Istanbul's essential cultural experiences
What's Included
- Multi National Booklet
- Bottled water
- Food
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- HodjapashaHoca Paşa Mahallesi Ankara Caddesi, Hoca Paşa, Hocapaşa Hamamı Sk. No:3 D:B, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Meeting Point is the the center where the show takes place
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Hodjapasha
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 7 years
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 170 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.0
based on 535 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
Educational religious experience which allows you to share others belief system. Excellent performance
The Whirling Dervishes is a religious ritual. It is a good idea to arrive about a half an hour early to walk through the display. It will give you more context when watching the performance.
A beautiful and deeply spiritual experience. Remember, the Whirling Dervishes ceremony is a religious ritual rather than an entertainment show, so applause is discouraged. Don’t expect belly dancing or a typical cultural performance.
I loved the traditional music, peaceful atmosphere, and sense of connection the ceremony created. It felt meditative and almost soul-searching. As a solo traveller, it fitted my Istanbul trip perfectly. Highly recommended if you appreciate culture, spirituality, and a moment of quiet reflection.
Great experience! Definitely tourist friendly. Translation was helpful. Music and performance were lovely.
I was really looking forward to this experience, but it was underwhelming. The atmosphere didn’t feel special or spiritual, rather cold!
Five men engaging in a twirling demonstration for one hour. Mystical? Yes. But only because we hadn’t a clue about the significance of what we were watching, other than that somehow the twirling was getting the twirling men closer to perfection.
More of a spiritual experience than what you would think of as traditionally “entertaining”. Fascinating to see but not for kids as much since it was watching the dancers do the same dance the entire time. Not a bad thing just know it’s a show that will make you feel spiritual vs flashy Broadway type of show. Would recommend.
Definitely need to get to the venue early and read up on the ceremony before it starts. There is very little information given prior to the ceremony or during the ceremony. This not a specular ceremony since its mostly about praying and trying to connect with Allah
Quiet, meaningful ceremony. Don’t expect dancing, fire shies, or the like- it is a spiritual ritual, accompanied by Luce music and chanting.
This is a religious ceremony that is hundreds of years old so don't expect light entertainment. The Musicians and Dervishes performing the ceremony are high skilled in performing this ritual which took an hour to complete. Reading the information at the cultural centre was worth doing as it explained the background of the Dervishes and the meaning of the ritual. No photos or videos were allowed during the performance.
A mystical spiritual experience. Intriguing. Beautiful meditative music. A series of panels provides introduction to Rumi and Sufism. Would go again if I had the chance.
This is one of the life experiences that words can not describe it. It was mystical, sublime , and beautiful
This is a solemn and reverent observation of a ceremony. It is NOT a show.
While poignant, educational, and a uniquely Turkish experience, it is not necessarily entertaining as the "whirling" makes it seem in the marketing.
Great show. A must see. Note: The spot shown on Google maps is not where it is located. It's actually a couple of streets away from the small mosque that Google sends you to go. Just ask the locals where it is, if needed.
The experience in general was just ok the venue was nice they have props for pictures and to buy a few items
I didn't know what to expect. But the show felt half baked and commercialized. The venue is pretty nice. It's a 10-15 mins walk from the blue mosque/hagia sofia zone.
Very unique! The venue itself is nicely curated and thought out. It does not at all feel like a gimmicky tourist trap. Its a meaningful true production. Seating doesn't need to be so cramped and there is no intermission so definitely stretch and use the facilities before but totally worth it!
Beautiful and mystical. I am curious about Sufism and Remi. We learned so much beauty from the whirling dervishes and the gorgeous music that accompanies their dance.
We went to the Istanbul Dervish “whirling” show last night. It was well organized with good lighting and a solid sound system, so production-wise it was done well. But the ceremony itself isn’t authentic, and it can get boring, especially for younger people. It’s fine if you’re curious like we were and just want to see it once, but don’t expect anything too exciting.
Interesting experience. Even though not real, it gives you a good idea what it looks like in real life.
Fascinating. Don't miss visiting the exhibits before the show. Taxis stop on the main street not the little alley of the venue.
Very interesting experience. Our first time to see this. It apears to be a form of spiritual practice / meditation so also cross-cultural. Very small venue, maybe 75 people, and has live traditional music.
A wonderful and unique spiritual experience. I have studied Sufi's and their teaching so this was a once in a life time experience.
This show, for me, was grounding and humbling, captivating and unique. It was a religious ceremony that didn't allow photography or applause. I think this made it more thought-provoking.
Prior to the show in the foyer area, you can read about the ceremony and its origin. This information was very insightful. The venue was comfortable. Seat numbers were assigned prior to the show. The whole experience was organized. I highly recommend it.
The venue area is in a great area full of restaurants and cafés.
Very spiritual and unique experience. We have seen it the second time now, after 17 years, but it is still as beautiful and surprising as the first time.
It was so-so. The dancing/whirling didn't start until it was half over. A mysticism of Islam and how it progressed in understanding God's ways. Interesting, but only somewhat.
Trustworthy and efficient with self directed features and customer support
. Thank you, I will use it again.
Good place to go if one needs to check off the box. Clean. Well organized. Informative display in the gallery.
That was amazing! It’s not a show-show but rather a ritual just in the presence of public. Educational and really beautiful.
The show is very powerful and mesmerizing. The audience is asked not to take photos, videos or to applaud as it is a spiritual experience. We chose to come to this performance as it was more
authentic than some
others that are out there.
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$25.60
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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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