Istanbul Whirling Dervish Ceremony, A Mystical Sufi Experience

Recommended by 92% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Istanbul, Turkey

Popular pick

Booked 10+ times last week!

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

Why travelers loved this

4.7

· raluca_g ·

Jul 2025

Was a very unique experience very nicely organised with loads of information. Advice: arrive a bit early to have time to read all the exhibit information, it does make a difference.

· Irginia_B ·

May 2025

We found the ceremony very inspiring and moving. We learned a lot of what this dancing means. We really enjoyed it.

Overview

A Whirling Dervish ceremony is an ancient Sufi ritual that is performed by Mevlevi as a type of spiritual meditation. With this evening tour, enjoy a traditional Turkish experience as you attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony and witness the UNESCO-protected cultural practice for yourself. Admission tickets and bottled water are included.

Unique opportunity to attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony
Witness the ancient Sufi religious practice up close
Learn more from a multi-lingual information booklet
Centrally located venue: easily reached by public transport

What's Included

Multi National Booklet
Bottled water
Entry/Admission - Hodjapasha Cultural Center

Food
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Departure Point

Hodjapasha, Hocapasa HamamI Sk. No:3 D:B, Istanbul 34410 Turkiye

What To Expect

Hodjapasha

Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Most travelers can participate
Children under 7 years of age are not allowed

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)

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Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.7

based on 127 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

No pics or video allowed, otherwise very good!

Irina_V, Feb 2026

No Pictures or Videos allowed. Otherwise a great experience. A drink was served beforehand. Nice little exhibit in the hall.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback about the Whirling Dervish Ceremony experience. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the atmosphere, the welcome drink, and the exhibit in the hall. Regarding the no photos or videos policy, this is to preserve the spiritual integrity and authenticity of the ceremony, ensuring a respectful environment for all guests. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again for another meaningful Tourmania experience. Kind Regards 🧿Tourmania Team

This experience is...

Linda_H, Jan 2026

This experience is educational, not 'entertainment'. The experience was wonderful, but can be dry for some.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your honest feedback with us. We are pleased to hear that you found the Whirling Dervish Ceremony to be a wonderful and educational experience. You are absolutely right—this ceremony is a spiritual and cultural ritual rather than entertainment, and we appreciate you highlighting this for future guests. Your perspective is very valuable to us. We hope to welcome you again for another meaningful cultural experience in the future. Warm regards, The Tourmania Team

UNESCO Cultural Dance - Sounds Great, but more of religious dance

Stephanie_P, Dec 2025

very repetitive, somber. It is a religious dance and while it has cultural heritage meaning, I would highly suggest seeing the belly dancers would have been much more entertaining.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Guest Thank you very much for sharing your feedback, and we are sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. The Whirling Dervish Ceremony is a sacred Sufi ritual and is intended to be a spiritual and meditative practice rather than a lively performance. We understand that, for some guests, this solemn and repetitive nature may feel less engaging, especially if they were expecting a more entertaining show. We truly appreciate your comments, as they help future guests better understand what to expect. We regret that this experience was not the right fit for your personal preferences and thank you for giving us the opportunity to share an important part of Turkey’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Kind regards, Tourmania

Wow, Wow, Wow!

AmySH, Nov 2025

It was amazing, so spiritual. I’ve been wanting to see them for 20 years and finally got my chance!!!

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us. We are truly delighted to hear that the Istanbul Whirling Dervish Ceremony felt so spiritual and meaningful for you. Knowing that it was something you had hoped to witness for 20 years makes your feedback even more special. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and are grateful that you chose The Tourmania Team for this memorable experience. Warm regards, The Tourmania Team

Interesting but very overpriced

Edoardo_D, Nov 2025

Overpriced for what it is. The singing and background was somewhat interesting but the performance was quite mediocre and objectively not worth the price tag. Going back would’ve definitely booked something difference at this price level.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. We always aim to provide a memorable and meaningful experience, and your comments will help us improve the quality and value of our offerings. We appreciate your honesty and hope to have the opportunity to provide a more satisfying experience on one of our future tours. Warm regards, The Tourmania Team

Whirling Dervishes - a great event

Jenn_D, Nov 2025

Get there early to read the information about the whirling dervishes. Mesmerising, and culturally it was educational and wonderful.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Dear Guest, Thank you for your feedback on our Istanbul Whirling Dervish Ceremony, A Mystical Sufi Experience! We’re thrilled to hear that you found it mesmerizing, educational, and culturally enriching. Your tip about arriving early is excellent advice for future visitors! We hope to welcome you again soon for another unforgettable Tourmania experience. Warm regards, The Tourmania Team

Dervishes are devine

brian_l, Oct 2025

Tucked into one of the more interesting neighbourhoods in Istanbul, the theatre is very accessible by tram. This was very special for me. I'd heard about the Dervishes and was excited to finally see them. It is a bit of an eclectic experience. The theatre itself is unique. The music is haunting, the ceremony mesmerizing. It is only an hour, but I was entranced. Don't go if you are just looking for entertainment. Go if you want a truly unique experience. Go if you want to try to feel the pulse of this wonderfully diverse, interesting and intense place.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review. We’re truly delighted to hear that you found the Whirling Dervish Ceremony to be such a unique and meaningful experience. The ceremony indeed offers a glimpse into the spiritual depth and cultural richness of Istanbul, and we’re glad it resonated with you. Your kind words mean a lot to us and to everyone who works to preserve this centuries-old Sufi tradition. Warm regards, The Tourmania Team

This is not entertainment...

Frederick_B, Oct 2025

This is not entertainment but an emotional experience and insight into sufi thought. It is worth a visit.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Dear Guest, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that you found the Whirling Dervish Ceremony to be a meaningful and emotional experience, offering insight into Sufi thought. It’s wonderful that the tour left a lasting impression beyond just entertainment. Warm regards, The Tourmania Team

Very interesting afternoon. I’m glad I got to see it

Susan_R, Oct 2025

Very easy to make reservations. But I have to wonder if this was actually a religious event or merely a commercial performance. It was very, very interesting and I loved the music. The voices were also amazing.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re glad to hear that you found the ceremony interesting and enjoyed the music and voices. We appreciate your curiosity regarding the nature of the performance; it is designed to share the rich Sufi tradition in an engaging way while respecting its spiritual roots. We’re happy you had a memorable experience and hope to welcome you again on another Tourmania tour! Kind regards, The Tourmania Team

Very unique

raluca_g, Jul 2025

Was a very unique experience very nicely organised with loads of information. Advice: arrive a bit early to have time to read all the exhibit information, it does make a difference.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you found the Whirling Dervish Ceremony both unique and informative. Your tip about arriving early to explore the exhibits is spot on — it really enhances the depth of the experience. We hope the mystical atmosphere left a lasting impression and that you'll join us again in the future.

We found the ceremony...

Irginia_B, May 2025

We found the ceremony very inspiring and moving. We learned a lot of what this dancing means. We really enjoyed it.

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear that the ceremony was inspiring and moving for you. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed learning about the deeper meaning behind the dancing. We’re thrilled you had such an enjoyable experience, and we truly appreciate your feedback!

Don’t Miss This!

Stephanie_M, May 2025

This was a fascinating experience and I am so glad we went. It’s a cross between a religious ritual and a music and dance performance.

It was a beautiful...

Melissa_A, Apr 2025

It was a beautiful cerimony. I highly recommend it for those who are seekers of the inner path towards unity.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us amazing review - it's much appreciated!

Cut 30 minutes, provide better directions

Past_P, Mar 2025

The dance performance was beautiful, but the event felt too long and repetitive. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were around 30 minutes instead of an hour. Additionally, finding the location was extremely difficult—better directions, signs, or even pictures would have been very helpful. Overall, while the performance itself was lovely, the experience could have been improved with clearer guidance and a shorter runtime.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your experience with the Whirling Dervish ceremony. We’re glad to hear that you found the performance beautiful. We sincerely apologize for the difficulties in finding the location and for any inconvenience caused. Your feedback about clearer directions, signage, and photos is very valuable, and we will work with the venue to improve guest guidance. We also appreciate your note about the length of the performance; we will take this into consideration to make the experience more enjoyable and engaging for future visitors. Thank you again for your comments, and we hope to welcome you on another memorable experience in the future. Kind regards, Tourmania Team

Meditative Experience

Joe_K, Dec 2024

Meditative. Get there are few minutes early and expect not to use your camera and to sit quietly. 🙂

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you so much for your amazing review! We will share this with the team to let them know to keep up the amazing work !

Good

Babar_K, Oct 2024

Very good viewing experience. I recommend it to others. The dancing is enchanting and engaging. Music also very good.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us amazing review - it's much appreciated!

Beautiful serene experience

Sarah_R, Sep 2024

Beautiful serene experience, loved it! Small audience, upclose view of Dervishes, great immersive live music and overall highly recc!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you so much for taking your time to give us your pleasant feedback. Hope to see you again in the near future. Warm Regards ; Tourmania Team

Sad we could not capture the experience

MarkE_W, Aug 2024

It was nice to see this emotional religious ceremony. The one and only disappointment was we were not allowed to take any photos of videos That was a bummer

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you so much for this 5-star review. We really appreciate you being a customer and helping to share the word about us. We’re here for you anytime.

Good, wholesome but pricey

Sheetal_D, Jun 2024

Beautiful experience and felt very authentic There were slides projected on a wall that spoke about the dervishes The live singing and dancing made u very much a part of this spiritual ritual .. it was a bit pricey on my opinion and u don’t really get to see much of the historic building

Response from Host, Jun 2024

We are grateful that you took the time to leave us a review. Your feedback helps us to improve service for everyone.

Watching one hour of twirling

Charoline_S, May 2024

The only thing interesting was learning the philosophy of Rumi, on which the twirling dance is based.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We are glad you found learning about Rumi’s philosophy interesting. We appreciate your feedback and will continue to strive to provide a richer and more engaging experience for all our guests. Kind regards, Tourmania Team

Must see

chandni_s, Mar 2024

Very surreal experience. It a beautiful to watch such a scared ceremony . Over all great experience .

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We are grateful that you took the time to leave us a review. Your feedback helps us to improve service for everyone !

Amazing Experience!

Matej_B, Mar 2024

It was really beautiful experience - Dance, live music and atmosphere of the place created amazing memories. I can only recommend.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

We are so grateful for your 5-star review. Thanks for sharing your rating with us and the community.

Do not book by viator

Veronique_M, Dec 2025

Seats taken for two months, we found ourselves sitting on high stools , too disappointed with the organization, people arrived after us, having taken their seats at the time of the show find themselves on chairs in front, for the same price, moreover I am in wheelchair, during the reservation we were specified if it was possible for people with reduced mobility to access the theater, and surprised, by arriving no PMR access and a series of stairs... Everything is said... We don't thank you and I definitely do not recommend your site to book a show , the show itself was worth it

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Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your honest feedback with us. We are truly sorry to hear about your disappointment regarding the seating arrangement and the overall organization of the Whirling Dervish Ceremony. We sincerely apologize that, despite booking well in advance, you were seated on high stools while other guests who arrived later were placed on chairs closer to the stage for the same price. We fully understand how unfair and frustrating this must have felt. We are especially concerned to learn about the accessibility issue. We deeply apologize for the incorrect information provided during the reservation process regarding access for guests with reduced mobility. Not having appropriate wheelchair access and encountering stairs is unacceptable, and we truly regret the inconvenience and discomfort this caused you. Your feedback is extremely important to us and has been shared with our operations team to review both seating policies and accessibility information in order to prevent such situations in the future. While we are glad to hear that the ceremony itself was meaningful, we sincerely regret that the overall experience did not meet your expectations. Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention. We truly hope to have the opportunity to regain your trust in the future. Kind regards, The Tourmania Team

Interesante ceremonia mística.

hterol, Apr 2025

Es una ceremonia mística religiosa en la que los cinco bailarines repiten varias veces la misma coreografía de giros. Es increíble la resistencia de estas personas. Acompañadas de un grupo de músicos y cantantes. Me ha parecido muy interesante, pero no esperes algo “divertido”: no es apropiado para niños. Ojo, aunque reserves por Viator tienes que recoger las entradas en la taquilla, en el piso superior.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us amazing review - it's much appreciated!

Durchschnittliche Erfahrung als Abendveranstaltung

Claus_B, Jul 2024

Es war interessant, den Tanz einmal live zu sehen. Allerdings ist es etwas monoton und wenig abwechslungsreich und so ist man dann froh, dass es nur 1 Stunde dauert.