Entry ticket

Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show

4.3  / 52396 reviews
Activity provider:HodjaPasha Culture Center
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Entry ticket

Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show

Activity provider:HodjaPasha Culture Center
4.3  / 52396 reviews

From $33 per person

See the stunning Mevlevei Sema ceremony in Istanbul. Enjoy a complex musical repertoire with whirling dervishes and go on a mystical dance journey representing man’s spiritual ascent through mind, love, and perfection.

About this ticket

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Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times.
Welcoming travelers since 2012

Experience

Highlights
  • See an extraordinary dance show that dates back 800 years
  • Enter the HodjaPasha Culture Center, a restored 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath
  • Watch the miraculous whirling dervishes and enjoy a fantastic musical repertoire
  • Learn about the Mevlevi Sema spiritual journey
  • Experience the show's unique ambiance while sipping on complimentary drinks
Full description
Witness the Mevlevi Sema ceremony at the HodjaPasha Culture Center in central Istanbul and see the whirling dances and dervishes. Enjoy complimentary drinks during the show. Step inside a 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath in Sultanahmet-Sirkeci and take your place. Learn more about the Mevlevi Sema from the provided booklet. Marvel at this cultural dance that dates back 800 years. The program begins with a classical Turkish music concert. See the dervishes and sheikh take their place and praise the Prophet Mohammed. Following the chant, hear the drum voice as the dervishes perform the seven-part Sema ceremony which represents the birth of humanity. The Sema ends with a Fâtiha for the souls of all prophets, martyrs, and believers, and a prayer for the salvation of the country.
Includes
  • Mevlevei Sema ceremony ticket
  • Program booklet
  • Bottled drinking water
Not suitable for
  • Children under 7 years
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Start your activity at Hocapaşa Culture Center, which is located about 100 meters from the Sirkeci Tram Stop.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Photography inside

Know before you go

  • Children under the age of 7 are not permitted
  • No disruption in the performance is permitted; taking photographs, talking during the ceremony, and applause are prohibited
  • Seats are allocated on the basis of first booked first served

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 2396 reviews

Review summary

  • Value for money
    4.1/5
  • Service
    4.5/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

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G
GetYourGuide traveler – United StatesNovember 9, 2023 – Verified booking
It was interesting to see this important cultural and religious ceremony. It was something new and unexpected for me. I appreciate its special meaning to the Turkish people. Not really appropriate for kids because it requires a quiet and respectful setting. Great historical setting.
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GetYourGuide traveler – ItalyNovember 7, 2023 – Verified booking
it is interesting to see it, but definitely overpriced. if you're new to Istanbul you might pay for it since you're unaware of prices here, but once you arrive in the city, you realize you can see the same show in many other places for less than half the price
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G
GetYourGuide traveler – BelgiumNovember 1, 2023 – Verified booking
The activity is excellent and definitely recommended, but I do wonder why different prices are charged for this activity on get your guide, while everyone (including those who pay the lowest price) gets the same. The program booklet and water are available for everyone.
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Product ID: 21283

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