Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul, Turkey

High interest

Booked 5+ times today.

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.0

· Gary_D ·

Jun 2026

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.

· Jordan_N ·

Jul 2026

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.

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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

Hodjapasha
Hoca 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

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

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.0

based on 525 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Sort by: Most recent

Good but underwhelming

Farah_H, Jul 2026

I was really looking forward to this experience, but it was underwhelming. The atmosphere didn’t feel special or spiritual, rather cold!

Skip This One

Jennifer_H, Jul 2026

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.

Interesting spiritual type of experience. Impressive to see the dancers with such dedication.

Jordan_N, Jul 2026

Definitely need to get to...

Charlotte_B, Jul 2026

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

Very interesting to witness this!

jumbokedama, Jun 2026

Quiet, meaningful ceremony. Don’t expect dancing, fire shies, or the like- it is a spiritual ritual, accompanied by Luce music and chanting.

Ancient Religious Ceremony performed with high skill and reverence.

Willemyntje_P, Jun 2026

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 deep spiritual Experience

Gary_D, Jun 2026

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.

Extraordinary es perience

Zaide_M, May 2026

This is one of the life experiences that words can not describe it. It was mystical, sublime , and beautiful

For enlightenment not entertainment

Chris_L, May 2026

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.

Good show

Linda_B, Apr 2026

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...

IRENE_M, Apr 2026

The experience in general was just ok the venue was nice they have props for pictures and to buy a few items

Not a must do experience

Imtiaz_K, Apr 2026

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.

A unique and enjoyable experience

Zeeshan_E, Mar 2026

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...

Jill_H, Mar 2026

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.

Just Ok!

Mike_s, Nov 2025

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

Riina_T, Nov 2025

Interesting experience. Even though not real, it gives you a good idea what it looks like in real life.

Rumi and dervishes

Daina_K, Nov 2025

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...

John_G, Nov 2025

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.

Special Spirtual Experience

JalalGreene, Nov 2025

A wonderful and unique spiritual experience. I have studied Sufi's and their teaching so this was a once in a life time experience.

A great experience

Dena_P, Nov 2025

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...

MUTIU_V, Oct 2025

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.

So-so

Duella_R, Oct 2025

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...

Larissa_C, Oct 2025

Trustworthy and efficient with self directed features and customer support . Thank you, I will use it again.

Good place to go if one...

Madhu_T, Oct 2025

Good place to go if one needs to check off the box. Clean. Well organized. Informative display in the gallery.

We loved it

Irina_S, Oct 2025

That was amazing! It’s not a show-show but rather a ritual just in the presence of public. Educational and really beautiful.

Authentic Whirling Dirvish

Ann_C, Oct 2025

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.

Not meant to be entertaining

Joey_R, Oct 2025

Not really a show like i was expecting. It’s the same movement for 1hr. Very boring. Although it was impressive how they were able to turn in a circle for so long and keep their arms up.

Mesmerising spiritual ceremony

Susan_S, Sep 2025

A wonderful experience watching a spiritual ceremony unfold. It was mesmerising. Explanation of each stage was lit up on a wall. Musicians and singers were wonderful to listen to

I had great trouble...

Brigitte_B, Sep 2025

I had great trouble finding the place. The spectacle was fabulous, especially the songs and music. Something unique and unforgettable.

Beautiful experience for your soul

Martha_N, Sep 2025

This was a beautiful experience - I had no idea this dance was based on prayer. Be respectful when you go, and know no pictures. I'm a devout Catholic and my friend is not religious - we both loved this experience. It is truly beautiful to see a look into this style of worship and devotion - and to learn more about the Sufi Islam beliefs. Truly filled my heart.

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