Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha

Experience Istanbul's vibrant culture and history at the Hodjapasha Rhythm of the Dance Show. Be captivated by mesmerizing performances, traditional costumes, and enchanting music in an authentic setting.

Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
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Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania

Overview

Step into the world of Turkey's rich cultural heritage with the Hodjapasha Rhythm of the Dance Show. Located in a historic 15th-century Ottoman bathhouse, this venue provides an intimate and atmospheric setting for an unforgettable evening. The rhythmic beats, colorful costumes, and passionate performances create an immersive experience, offering you a window into the traditional and contemporary dance culture of Turkey.

The show is a celebration of Turkey’s diverse cultural traditions, featuring folk dances, modern interpretations, and ancient rituals. Each performance is a blend of storytelling and artistry, presenting themes of love, unity, and celebration. From the hypnotic movements of the Whirling Dervishes to energetic folk dances from Anatolia, every moment is designed to amaze and inspire. The skill and passion of the performers bring the rich history of Turkey to life.

The Hodjapasha Culture Center is more than just a theater; it’s a piece of history. Originally a 15th-century construction, this beautifully restored building now serves as a cultural hub in the heart of Istanbul. Its architectural details, such as domed ceilings and stone walls, add a touch of authenticity to the experience. This unique venue perfectly complements the vibrant performances, creating a seamless blend of history and culture.

Live music is at the heart of the Rhythm of the Dance Show. Traditional Turkish instruments, such as the oud and kanun, create an enchanting soundtrack for the evening. Each performance is accompanied by a carefully curated score, elevating the dances and immersing the audience in Turkey’s musical heritage. The combination of rhythm, melody, and visual spectacle makes this show a feast for the senses.

Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family exploring Istanbul, this show offers something for everyone. The engaging performances, vibrant costumes, and warm atmosphere make it a memorable experience for all ages. It’s an excellent way to spend an evening learning about Turkey’s traditions while being thoroughly entertained.

As the final curtain falls, you’ll leave the Hodjapasha Culture Center with a newfound appreciation for Turkish culture. The captivating performances, authentic setting, and unique storytelling ensure this is not just a show but an experience you’ll remember forever.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1, Child x 0

Adult

Age 13-25+

Child

Age 0-12

Highlights

  • Experience captivating dance performances showcasing Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Witness the artistry of the Whirling Dervishes, Anatolian folk dances, and more.
  • Be enchanted by live music featuring traditional Turkish instruments.
  • Immerse yourself in a cultural journey through vibrant costumes and storytelling.
  • Discover a family-friendly entertainment option in Istanbul.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Admission to the Hodjapasha Rhythm of the Dance Show
  • A captivating 1-hour performance featuring traditional and modern Turkish dances
  • Bottled drinking water

Not Included

  • Hotel transfers to and from the venue
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Additional gratuities for performers or staff

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People with epilepsy

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Flash photography
  • Food and drinks
  • Smoking indoors

Important Information

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes
Daypack

Information Before Booking

  • This cultural experience is suitable for individuals and families seeking an evening of entertainment and education about Turkish traditions.
  • The venue is centrally located, making it easily accessible.
  • Guests should be aware that seating is general admission, so early arrival is recommended to secure the best view.

Know Before You Go

  • The show begins promptly at the scheduled time; late arrivals may not be admitted.
  • Refreshments, including tea and Turkish delights, are provided before the performance.
  • Photography is prohibited during the show to maintain the intimate atmosphere.
  • Transportation to the venue is not included, so plan your arrival accordingly.
  • This event does not include dinner, but the location is close to many excellent restaurants for pre- or post-show dining.

4.6/5

35
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 1  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Host or Greeter

English, Turkish

Pickup Optional

Please arrive at the starting point 15 minutes before the program begins to ensure a smooth and timely start to your experience.

Location

Istanbul Türkiye

Book Today

From

€38.00

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Ilya Morozov - Russia
13 April

We really enjoyed the show. My sister and I bought our tickets well ahead of time. When we arrived at the venue, we waited in line to get our seat assignments. There were quite a few people in front of us but we were happily surprised to end up in the front row. It seems like they might give priorit...

Read More

Sylvette Courtois - France
17 August

The show was truly spectacular. We were looking for something beyond the usual tourist belly dance and this definitely delivered. There was a great mix of dance styles that really brought the area’s rich history to life. The music, costumes, and performances were all amazing. We would definitely r...

Read More

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.6/5

Based on 35 Reviews

Guide

4.6/5

Transportation

4.6/5

Value for Money

4.6/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
I
Ilya Morozov - Russia
13 April

We really enjoyed the show. My sister and I bought our tickets well ahead of time. When we arrived at the venue, we waited in line to get our seat assignments. There were quite a few people in front of us but we were happily surprised to end up in the front row. It seems like they might give priority to those who purchase early so I would suggest getting your tickets as soon as you know your schedule. But even if you don’t the venue is small so seats towards the back, maybe the fourth row, still have a good view. The performers were fantastic and we loved seeing the different dances. The venue also has displays about the whirling dervishes that you can look at before the show starts. This was our first visit to Istanbul and we really enjoyed this cultural experience. I would definitely recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sylvette Courtois - France
17 August

The show was truly spectacular. We were looking for something beyond the usual tourist belly dance and this definitely delivered. There was a great mix of dance styles that really brought the area’s rich history to life. The music, costumes, and performances were all amazing. We would definitely recommend this experience and will make sure to see it again when we’re back in Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

B
Bramwell Eastcroft - United Kingdom
05 July

What a fantastic experience, especially the percussion group at the end. The 70-minute dance show was one of the best parts of my trip to Turkey. Forget those cheap phosphorus night shows and bring your family to this fun, authentic, and well done dance performance instead.

Helpful? Yes

C
Carina Vasileva - Bulgaria
10 May

This was a great way to spend an hour in Istanbul. If you’re looking for a fun outing that shows different styles of Turkish folk dance along with whirling dervishes, I’d definitely recommend this show. It’s located in the old town, close to all the main tourist spots. The show lasts just an hour, is fairly affordable, and the dancing is really captivating. I’d highly suggest it as a cultural experience.

Helpful? Yes

T
Teunis Hoekstra - Netherlands
04 June
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania

The show was really good. We liked that it was thorough, professional, lively, and kept our interest throughout. It started and finished right on time. The venue is small but looks great.

Helpful? Yes

H
Halden Ashforth - United Kingdom
04 July

The show was really entertaining and interesting. It was one of the best parts of my trip to Istanbul. The dancers gave great performances and I loved the variety of dance routines and the colorful costumes. My favorite was a solo dancer who did a hypnotic mask routine something I had never seen before and found very unique. The dancers were beautiful and the music was fantastic. Overall, the show was a lot of fun.

Helpful? Yes

D
Delyth Caerwyn - United Kingdom
15 August

We watched the Rhythm of the Dance show on evening and can’t recommend it enough. The venue, a former Hammam, is stunning and there is a really interesting exhibition about the Whirling Dervishes and Rumi right at the entrance. The dances were incredible with a wide range of styles including belly dancing, fire dancing, live music, and some of the best drumming I’ve ever seen. You are so close to the dancers that you can even feel the breeze when they wave their sashes. The solo mask dance was one of the most impressive performances I have ever witnessed. I would highly recommend this show to anyone visiting Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

S
Saskia Raben - Germany
24 May

Really nice show and definitely worth the price. The dancers and musicians were very skilled professionals. The venue was nice and the whole event was well organized.

Helpful? Yes

T
Thorin Ledbetter - United Kingdom
09 April

I really loved the venue and the warm welcome from the staff. The dancers were excellent and I was pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of dances and costumes. I had expected something much more limited. What stood out most was the dancers’ enthusiasm and clear passion for what they do. The show felt like a true cultural experience, blending influences from Greek, Anatolian, Persian, Balkan, and other eastern traditions. It was definitely worth the time and not at all like the cheesy cabaret shows you sometimes worry about when buying tickets. There are also some good restaurants nearby to check out.

Helpful? Yes

I
Ivana Zhelyazkova - Bulgaria
31 May

The show was fantastic and held in a cozy venue with around 300 seats. The lighting, music, and dance moves were all perfectly coordinated to give the audience a great 70-minute experience. The entrance is pretty small, so the line at the start of the show can get a bit crowded. If you’re into dance performances, I’d definitely recommend this one.

Helpful? Yes

A
Aislinn Kingswell - United Kingdom
26 August

The Turkish traditional dance performance was excellent with a wide variety of styles and very professional execution. The venue is designed well for viewing, so the audience can see the performers clearly.

Helpful? Yes

M
Mila Ivanova - Bulgaria
15 June

Really nice show with dancers who were excellent. The setting, a former hamam, was great. One of the dancers stood out as truly top level.

Helpful? Yes

L
Lioren Treadwell - United Kingdom
05 July

The show was fantastic. It featured a great variety of Turkish dances. I especially enjoyed the swirling, fast paced male dancer. The venue was small and really cool too.

Helpful? Yes

E
Eirik Dahlgren - Norway
05 July

It was a great evening and even better than I expected. The show was entertaining right from the moment we sat down and the time just flew by.

Helpful? Yes

M
Mireille Lavergne - France
13 May

This performance is full of energy with a variety of dances. The 70-minute show is really engaging and leaves you wanting more.

Helpful? Yes

T
Tressa Brandt - Germany
02 March

The performance was really impressive and authentic with highly skilled dancers. I would definitely recommend it. It was one of the highlights of my visit to the city.

Helpful? Yes

E
Emeric Longhurst - United Kingdom
14 May

Hodjapasha’s Rhythm of the Dance show is an amazing blend of culture, music, and energy. The performers really impress with their talent and passion. It’s definitely a must-see when visiting Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

E
Evelina Solntseva - Russia
06 February

The performance was great, well put together, and featured a variety of traditional and modern dances from Turkey and the Balkans. The show really went beyond what I expected. The only downside was that the seats were a bit cramped and uncomfortable, and the music was quite loud.

Helpful? Yes

B
Brenna Holt - United Kingdom
26 August

Great show and I definitely recommend it. There was a wide range of dances and my daughters really enjoyed it. This is a perfect experience for the whole family.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sjoerd Klaasen - Netherlands
15 December
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Historic Rhythms An Evening at Hodjapasha | ®ExcursionMania

What an amazing show. The whole atmosphere was fantastic and the dancers were superb. It was a truly memorable experience. I highly recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

C
Cyra Montague - United Kingdom
17 February

Amazing show with really talented dancers and musicians. We enjoyed every moment of it. The theatre is quite small, so no matter where you sit, you get a good view of the stage. We even got a free bottle of water.

Helpful? Yes

A
Anouk De Vries - Netherlands
08 February

The atmosphere was nice and the show was interesting. The performances got better as the show went on. It’s not the usual belly dance or servant dance, but less traditional choreography with some cool light effects. Overall, it was an enjoyable hour of entertainment.

Helpful? Yes

W
Wystan Holbrook - United Kingdom
30 June

The show went beyond what I expected. Being right in the front and center was amazing. The precise steps, quick movements, and energy in the group dances were really impressive.

Helpful? Yes

P
Pia Hofmann - Germany
25 August

There was nothing authentic about this show. It didn’t feel connected to Turkish culture at all. I’m not even sure if the dancers were professionals. The choreography was really poor. The only decent part was the belly dancer, and even that wasn’t very good to be honest. It felt like a waste of time and money. I could have spent that time doing something better. The costumes were tacky and the waving sleeves looked strange.

Helpful? Yes

O
Odette Vernier - France
06 August

Such a great performance with an amazing vibe. The dancers, music, live musicians, and costumes were all top-notch. Definitely something you shouldn’t skip if you’re visiting Istanbul. It’s a must-see experience.

Helpful? Yes

S
Svenja Helmer - Germany
05 June

The entrance gave off a bit of a sketchy vibe at first, and they only open the doors around 20 minutes before the show starts. We arrived early assuming it was open seating, but turns out your seats are assigned. That said, there are only four rows in a semi-circle around the stage, so pretty much every spot has a good view. Once you're inside and settled, the whole feel changes. The performance is so engaging that you end up wishing it lasted longer.

Helpful? Yes

L
Lysandra Fairmont - United Kingdom
14 June

Not really worth it in my opinion. I left feeling a bit let down. The performance lacked a clear style, and the choreography didn’t come together well. Some of the dancers didn’t seem very polished or confident either.

Helpful? Yes

M
Meilin Cheng - China
08 January

Applause to the skilled bongo player who really got the crowd involved, as well as the male belly dancer and the expressive take on the whirling dervish. Unfortunately, the rest of the performance fell flat. Most of it felt below average and clearly lacked strong direction or choreography. In a country with such a vibrant dance heritage, I had much higher expectations, so this was a letdown.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jorund Berg - Norway
05 February

A show you really shouldn't miss in the heart of Istanbul, with lively music and engaging dances. It runs for about an hour. The price feels a bit high, though the experience is definitely worth seeing at least once, even if it is just an hour long.

Helpful? Yes

B
Briar Penhaligon - United Kingdom
05 June

We caught this show on our first evening in Istanbul, and it was the perfect way to kick off our trip. It was full of energy, rich in color, and the choreography was really well done. The performances blended traditional and modern styles, and we were captivated the entire time. Absolutely something you should see while you're here.

Helpful? Yes

M
Mariska Van Hoek - Netherlands
28 February

This show is an absolute must if you're in Istanbul. Huge thanks to the whole team for putting so much heart and effort into such an incredible performance. I totally recommend checking it out.

Helpful? Yes

C
Callum Ormsby - United Kingdom
08 July

Very cool venue with a varied show, energetic music, and engaging dancers. It’s worth booking early if you want seats up front. The view from the back is still fine, but the benches aren’t the most comfortable.

Helpful? Yes

A
Aleksei Zadorov - Russia
18 July

There were many different and unique Turkish dances, full of color, lights, and great music. Just put your phone away and enjoy the experience because the magic doesn’t really come through on video.

Helpful? Yes

M
Milana Dimitrova - Bulgaria
25 August

What an amazing and colorful experience. I’m really glad we booked and got to see this. The Hodjapasha Centre was easy to find and has a lovely museum attached. The dancers were fantastic, from the whirling dervish to the belly dancer and everyone else. After the show, we got to chat with them, and they were super friendly and took the time to talk with us. I’d definitely recommend this.

Helpful? Yes

R
Roeland Van Damme - Belgium
27 March

We went to see the Rhythm of the Dance show in the historic Eminonu area. The performance was varied and the dancers were really skilled. Honestly, it went beyond what I expected. My wife, our 9-year-old daughter, and I all really enjoyed the whole experience.

Helpful? Yes

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12y+

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Children

2 - 12 years

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Infant

Below 2 years

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€38.00 per person