Authentic Sema Ceremony at Kasımpasa Mevlevihanesi

Recommended by 95% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Istanbul, Turkey

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Turkey’s whirling Sufi devotees, sometimes called “whirling dervishes,” are an important Turkish tradition but it’s not easy to see them in action—you need to make time to attend a show. Learn more about this tradition at a traditional Sufi monastery in Istanbul, the Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi. After the mesmerizing show, take the chance to visit the onsite museums and galleries for more cultural insights.

Experience Turkish religious traditions in a non-touristy setting
Free indoor parking is available, if you have your own car
Includes an energizing Turkish coffee with lokum sweet
The early evening performance can fit into busy daytime schedules

What's Included

Parking Fees

Guests can use the Mevlevihane’s private indoor parking.
Coffee and/or Tea

Enjoy complimentary Turkish tea in our peaceful foyer, or order traditional Turkish coffee with lokum (Turkish delight).

Meeting and Pickup

Operating hours
.5:00 pm

Departure Point

Kasimpasa Mevlevihanesi, Keramet Sk No17 Sururi Mehmet Efendi, Istanbul 34435 Turkiye

What To Expect

Kasimpasa Mevlevihanesi

Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate

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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

4.8

based on 59 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Beautiful Ceremony

Nailah_W, Feb 2026

Beautiful, heartfelt, warm and authentic ceremony. I’m so glad I was able to take my children. The explanation at the beginning was very helpful and informative. We truly enjoyed the ceremony in the moment but will enjoy the memory and educational part of it even more.

Must see Whirling Dirvish

Nazir_V, Sep 2025

Authentic intimate ceremony to see actual practitioners. An experience must see…in a small setting around a central inside court…you can view the ceremony from the ground floor or upper balcony…there were no obstructions of any sort.

Loved this authentic experience!

Amber, Sep 2025

This was a very lovely, authentic experience! I highly recommend! They offered us tea and water as we waited, and were very welcoming and informative. Don’t forget to wear a top that covers the shoulders and chest, or take a shawl to wrap around!

Must do while in Istanbul

Theo_R, Aug 2025

The original stuff. Not just for tourists. The place is traditional, the people are friendly. A must do activity while in Istanbul

Couldn’t see show

rwfvpg7byz, May 2025

I showed up to the location provided in the listing and it was a residential neighborhood. I tried contacting the tour and no one responded. I was not able to see the show and wasted my money…

Response from Host, May 2025

Dear Guest, We are truly sorry to hear that you had difficulty finding our location and were unable to attend the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony. Your experience does not reflect the level of care and hospitality we strive to provide to each of our visitors. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and would love the opportunity to make it up to you. Please feel free to contact us directly and let us know a date that works for you — we would be more than happy to welcome you and your companions free of charge at a future ceremony. You can reach us via [+90 542 549 2812 / WhatsApp +90 542 549 2812], and we will assist you personally to ensure everything goes smoothly this time. With warm regards, Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi Team