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.
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.
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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.
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
4.5/5
4.5/5
4.5/5
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
It was a timeless moment, and the explanations really helped to understand the ceremony better.
Helpful? Yes
A truly wonderful experience. The introduction at the start really helps you understand and connect with the religious meaning behind the practice.
Helpful? Yes
Wonderful experience, I would recommend it 100 percent.
Helpful? Yes
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
A beautiful experience that I highly recommend.
Helpful? Yes
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
A really nice show that started with an explanation and gave us the chance to ask questions afterward.
Helpful? Yes
A great chance to experience a genuine religious ceremony.
Helpful? Yes
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
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
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
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
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
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
It would have been really helpful to have a brief summary about the Dervishes to read before watching the performance.
Helpful? Yes
That’s an interesting point. This isn’t just a show, but a sacred religious ceremony. It’s truly impressive.
Helpful? Yes
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
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
The commissions you charge are quite high, but the show itself was wonderful.
Helpful? Yes
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
The only downside was the heat while waiting outside the room before the ceremony started.
Helpful? Yes
This ceremony has religious roots, so don’t expect any acrobatic dances. It’s much slower and more reflective than that.
Helpful? Yes
A wonderful experience. The clear explanations at the start helped us really understand and appreciate the ceremony more.
Helpful? Yes
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
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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