Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia

Experience the mesmerizing Whirling Dervish Ceremony, a spiritual and cultural tradition of Turkey, performed in a historic venue near Hagia Sophia. Witness the mystique of this ancient ritual up close.

Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania
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Istanbul: Mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony Near Hagia Sophia | ®ExcursionMania

Overview

Step into a serene and enchanting world as you witness the Whirling Dervish Ceremony, rooted in Sufi traditions. This sacred ritual symbolizes the spiritual journey of the soul, seeking divine love and unity. Held in a historic venue near the iconic Hagia Sophia, the ceremony blends music, movement, and spirituality to create a captivating experience that transports you to another realm.

The Whirling Dervishes, known as Mevlevi, follow a tradition founded by the poet and mystic Rumi. During the ceremony, the dervishes perform the sema, a sacred dance that combines prayer, music, and poetry. This UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage offers profound insights into the Mevlevi order and its spiritual philosophy, enriching your understanding of Turkish culture.

The ceremony is a feast for the senses. Hauntingly beautiful live music, featuring traditional instruments such as the ney (reed flute) and kudum (small drums), sets a meditative tone. The dervishes, dressed in flowing white robes, spin gracefully in rhythmic harmony, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Soft lighting enhances the mystical atmosphere, immersing you in this unique experience.

Unlike a typical performance, the Whirling Dervish Ceremony is a sacred act of devotion, making it an ideal experience for those seeking a deeper connection with Turkish spirituality. As an audience member, you will feel the energy and peace emanating from the dervishes, leaving a lasting impression on your visit to Istanbul.

Located near Hagia Sophia, the venue is easily accessible for tourists exploring the city. The ceremony's duration is just under an hour, allowing you to fit it seamlessly into your itinerary. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious, this tour provides a unique perspective on Istanbul's rich heritage.
The venue’s proximity to Hagia Sophia ensures easy access for tourists exploring the heart of Istanbul. The ceremony’s duration is just under an hour, allowing you to fit it seamlessly into your itinerary. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious, this tour provides a unique perspective on Turkish heritage.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1

Adult

Age 10-25+

Highlights

  • Witness the Whirling Dervish Ceremony, a UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition.
  • Learn about the spiritual journey and history of the Mevlevi order.
  • Enjoy live music with traditional instruments in an atmospheric venue.
  • Experience a sacred ritual near the iconic Hagia Sophia.
  • Ideal for travelers seeking cultural and spiritual enrichment.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Whirling dervish ceremony
  • Local traditional drink (tea or sherbet)

Not Included

  • Food and other drinks

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • Children under 2 years

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Flash photography
  • Making noise

Important Information

What to Bring

Camera
Cash
Credit card

Information Before Booking

  • The ceremony is a spiritual experience; respect for the performers and ritual is essential.
  • Arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  • The ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes, followed by a brief explanation of its significance.

Know Before You Go

  • The Whirling Dervish Ceremony is a sacred ritual, not a theatrical show.
  • No food, drink, or disruptive behavior is allowed inside the venue.
  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Exact venue details will be provided in your booking confirmation.

4.5/5

27
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

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

€27.00

per person

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

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Ewan Cresswell - United Kingdom
26 August

It was a timeless moment, and the explanations really helped to understand the ceremony better.

Irina Andreeva - Russia
05 August

A truly wonderful experience. The introduction at the start really helps you understand and connect with the religious meaning behind the practice.

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

4.5/5

Based on 27 Reviews

Guide

4.5/5

Transportation

4.5/5

Value for Money

4.5/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
F
Fenella Marchand - United Kingdom
14 May

Good value for what you get. Since the presentation is in English, it’s a bit disappointing that the parts spoken in Arabic afterward aren’t translated, especially since it’s a meaningful ceremony.

Helpful? Yes

E
Ewan Cresswell - United Kingdom
26 August

It was a timeless moment, and the explanations really helped to understand the ceremony better.

Helpful? Yes

I
Irina Andreeva - Russia
05 August

A truly wonderful experience. The introduction at the start really helps you understand and connect with the religious meaning behind the practice.

Helpful? Yes

L
Lars Beckers - Germany
14 June

Everything was really great.

Helpful? Yes

I
Isolde Vaughan - United Kingdom
12 July

Wonderful experience, I would recommend it 100 percent.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sorina Cristea - Romania
15 August

Honestly, it was a great opportunity to see and understand this ceremony for the first time. Being there gave me a chance to learn about Islam, its history, culture, and the respectful teachings of Allah. I would definitely give it a 10 out of 10.

Helpful? Yes

V
Valtteri Saarinen - Finland
07 February

A beautiful experience that I highly recommend.

Helpful? Yes

E
Elara Wynn - United Kingdom
07 November

The experience was fantastic and really immersive. The dancers and musicians were fully engaged, so it didn’t feel like just a show. Unfortunately, the mood was spoiled by a very rude man who seemed to run the place. He shouted at guests before the show when we were standing in the wrong spot.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sander De Wit - Netherlands
13 April

A really nice show that started with an explanation and gave us the chance to ask questions afterward.

Helpful? Yes

M
Marit Van Looy - Belgium
13 April

A great chance to experience a genuine religious ceremony.

Helpful? Yes

A
Aldric Penrose - United Kingdom
07 July

Unfortunately, this turned out to be one of the worst nights out I’ve ever experienced. I had really high hopes going in, but the whole evening just didn’t live up to expectations. From start to finish, it felt disappointing and left me wishing I had spent my time differently.

Helpful? Yes

T
Tahlia Fawcett - United Kingdom
30 June

A beautiful show that offers a meaningful way to connect with religious and cultural traditions. The venue is comfortable and conveniently located. It’s nice to know that the ticket money supports scholarships for students. We also enjoyed a drink afterward, which was a nice touch.

Helpful? Yes

T
Tahlia Fawcett - United Kingdom
30 June

A beautiful show that offers a meaningful way to connect with religious and cultural traditions. The venue is comfortable and conveniently located. It’s nice to know that the ticket money supports scholarships for students. We also enjoyed a drink afterward, which was a nice touch.

Helpful? Yes

D
Dimitri Volkov - Russia
06 March

It was amazing to witness this ceremony. Before it started, there was a brief introduction that explained its meaning, and after it finished, there was a reception with traditional drinks where we could ask more questions. I would definitely recommend this experience.

Helpful? Yes

L
Lotte Janssen - Netherlands
14 June

The ceremony was really surprising and something everyone should see at least once in their life. We were lucky to catch a last minute deal, which made it even better.

Helpful? Yes

G
Giselle Marceau - France
28 May

What I appreciated most was having someone at the venue, as mentioned in the brochure, who guided me and explained everything. The program itself was really interesting.

Helpful? Yes

K
Keiran Bellamy - United Kingdom
25 August

It would have been really helpful to have a brief summary about the Dervishes to read before watching the performance.

Helpful? Yes

F
Felicity Darrow - United Kingdom
16 November

That’s an interesting point. This isn’t just a show, but a sacred religious ceremony. It’s truly impressive.

Helpful? Yes

B
Bram Smits - Netherlands
06 January

The venue wasn’t very appealing, and the show didn’t really impress me. I had seen something similar before, and this was quite different in a disappointing way. I’d recommend looking for other options.

Helpful? Yes

A
Anya Zaitseva - Russia
04 June

It was a really interesting experience. I had been wanting to see whirling dervishes for a long time, and the performance completely captivated me. The show was mesmerizing and beautiful. I would definitely watch it again.

Helpful? Yes

T
Thomas Becker - Germany
04 March

The commissions you charge are quite high, but the show itself was wonderful.

Helpful? Yes

E
Elena Garcia - Spain
07 August

A fantastic experience, very authentic, and with a wonderful purpose since the ticket money goes toward funding scholarships. The ceremony was beautiful and turned out to be the biggest positive surprise of my trip to Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

F
Freya Montague - United Kingdom
30 April

The only downside was the heat while waiting outside the room before the ceremony started.

Helpful? Yes

Z
Zoran Milosevic - Serbia
31 July

This ceremony has religious roots, so don’t expect any acrobatic dances. It’s much slower and more reflective than that.

Helpful? Yes

F
Finley Ashcroft - United Kingdom
14 June

A wonderful experience. The clear explanations at the start helped us really understand and appreciate the ceremony more.

Helpful? Yes

E
Ewan Drummond - United Kingdom
04 June

The seating was comfortable with a nice temperature. The first half was enjoyable, but the second half felt a bit too long. I noticed some people left before the show ended.

Helpful? Yes

S
Saskia Engel - Germany
04 June

A really interesting and beautiful experience to witness live. It would be helpful to know the proper etiquette around applause during the event.

Helpful? Yes

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2 - 12 years

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€27.00 per person