Guide to Whirling Dervish Shows in Istanbul: Info & Best Places to See
Guide to Whirling Dervish Shows in Istanbul: Info & Best Places to See
Planning on attending a Whirling Dervish show in Istanbul? This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about experiencing the mesmerizing tradition of the Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul.
From essential information to the best venues to witness this captivating performance, we’ve got you covered. Dive into this guide to ensure an unforgettable experience with the Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul. Join us as we become your guide to the unique Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Istanbul!
What are Whirling Dervishes?
Whirling Dervishes, also known as the Mevlevi Order, are practitioners of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. They engage in a form of spiritual practice called the “Sema” ceremony, where they perform a ritualistic dance known as “Whirling” or “Sufi Whirling“. This dance is a form of meditation and a way to reach a state of religious ecstasy, aiming to connect with the divine.
The dancers spin in repetitive, graceful movements, symbolizing the journey of spiritual ascent towards enlightenment and union with God. The Whirling Dervishes are recognized for their unique attire, including white robes and tall hats called “sikke,” as well as for their serene and mesmerizing performances.
What is Sufism?
Sufism is a mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam, emphasizing the inner path to God and the pursuit of spiritual perfection. Followers of Sufism, known as Sufis or dervishes, seek to attain closeness to the divine through practices such as meditation, prayer, music, poetry, and dance.
Sufism places great importance on love, compassion, and selflessness, and it teaches that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve union with God, often described as “annihilation of the self” and “union with the Beloved“. Sufism has produced a rich tradition of literature, music, and art, and it has had a profound influence on Islamic spirituality and culture throughout history.
What is a Whirling Dervish Show/ Sema Ceremony?
A Whirling Dervish show, also known as a Sema ceremony, is a traditional performance that originated within the Sufi mystical tradition of Islam. It features the graceful and hypnotic spinning dance of the Whirling Dervishes, who are members of the Mevlevi Order. The ceremony is characterized by its spiritual significance and symbolic elements.
During the performance, the Whirling Dervishes, dressed in traditional white robes with tall conical hats (sikke), engage in a ritualistic spinning dance known as the Sema. The spinning motion symbolizes the cosmic journey of the soul towards spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine. As they whirl, the Dervishes maintain a meditative state of focus and concentration, accompanied by rhythmic music, chanting, and poetry.
The Whirling Dervish show is not merely a form of entertainment but a deeply spiritual experience intended to evoke a sense of transcendence, inner peace, and spiritual awakening in both performers and spectators alike. It is considered a form of meditation and worship, emphasizing themes of love, unity, and harmony with the universe.
What is the Ritual of Sema?
Fix-footed, the semazen provides a point of contact with this Earth through which the divine blessings can flow. Turning from right to left, he embraces all creation as he chants the name of God within the heart. The Sema ritual consists of four parts:
1. It starts with the singing of the Nat-i-Serif, a eulogy to the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), who represents love. Praising him is praising the truth of God that he and all the prophets before him brought.
2. Then follows the call of the drum and the slap of glory, calling the semazens to awaken and Be. This begins the procession known as the Sultan Veled Walk. It is the salutation of one soul to another, acknowledged by bowing.
3. Then begins the Sema ritual itself. It consists of four selams or salutes. The first selam is the birth of truth by way of knowledge. The second selam expresses the rapture of witnessing the splendor of creation. The third selam is the transformation of rapture into love; the sacrifice of mind and self to love. It represents complete submission and communion with God. The fourth selam is the semazen’s coming to terms with his destiny and his return to his task in creation. In the fourth selam, the sheikh enters the circling dervishes, where he assumes the place of the sun in the center of the circling planets.
4. The Sema end with a reading from the Qur’an. The sheikh and dervishes complete their time together with the greeting of peace and then depart, accompanied by joyous music of their departure.
One of the beauties of this seven-centuries-old ritual is the way that it unifies the three fundamental components of man’s nature; mind, emotion, and spirit, combining them in a practice and a worship that seeks the purification of all three in the turning towards Divine Unity. But most significantly, the enrichment of this earth and the well-being of humanity as a whole.
Best places to see Whirling Dervish Shows in Istanbul
There are lots of whirling dervish shows in Istanbul, but we researched and picked the best shows for an authentic experience…
HodjaPasha Hamam
Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Istanbul is one of the best places to experience Whirling Dervish shows. Here, you can witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremony performed by talented Dervishes in a historic and atmospheric setting.
The Hodjapasha Cultural Center, housed in a renovated Ottoman-era hammam (bathhouse), provides an authentic backdrop for the spiritual and captivating performance. With its intimate ambiance, stunning architecture, and excellent acoustics, this venue offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the mystical tradition of the Whirling Dervishes.
- Find on Google Maps: HodjaPasha Hamam
>> See Whirling Dervishes Istanbul Tickets in Hodjapasha Hamam
Kizlaraga Medrese
Kızlar Ağa Medresesi, a historical structure located in the historic peninsula of Istanbul, is a significant example of traditional Turkish architecture. This historic venue is particularly used as an important platform for traditional sema performances. The sema shows held here provide spectators with a mystical experience, offering them the opportunity to explore the culture and traditions of the Mevlevi order.
The atmosphere of Kızlar Ağa Medresesi, along with its historical richness and spiritual ambiance, provides an excellent venue for Whirling Dervish performances, offering spectators a unique experience.
- Find on Google Map: Kizlaraga Medrese
>> See Whirling Dervishes Istanbul Tickets in Kizlaraga Medrese
Tickets to the Top Whirling Dervish Shows in Istanbul
Explore below our curated selection of Whirling Dervish ceremony tickets:
Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes & Sufi Dance Tickets
320+ Reviews
€12.60
Headout
“A magical moment of authenticity and spirituality. The traditional music and the Dervishes are a spectacle not to be missed.”
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
110+ Reviews
€35.25
Headout
“Great distribution of chairs that gives a good view, good explanation before entering , music great !”
Istanbul: Whirling Dervish Ceremony next to Hagia Sophia
870+ Reviews
€12
GetYourGuide
“Short but interesting presentation given to explain what we were about to see, then an authentic ceremony which was much enhanced by the explanation, and actually very beautiful and moving. Something I won’t forget.” Rachel, Dec. 2025, UK [Source: GetYourGuide]
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
4.5K+ Reviews
€27
GetYourGuide
“I rated it 4/5 and I think it deserves to be recommended.(…) If you only consider the performance of the ascetics, musicians and singers, this would be full marks.”
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Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
7.2K+ Reviews
€66
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“The queue jumpers, well organized and friendly guys” Armando, Jan. 2026, Italy [Source: Headout]
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
5.2K+ Reviews
€29.90
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“This was the right tour for me! The guide was very good, knew detailed history of each place. He kept our group together and gave us tourist tips. All 3 sites were amazing.” Diane, Jan. 2026 [Source: Headout]
Combo (Save 5%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
3.4K+ Reviews
€67.07
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“I was speechless from the moment I entered the cistern. It’s simply incredible what was achieved back then. The visit was at the top of my bucket list, and I was not disappointed.” Patrick, Jan 2026, Germany [Source: Headout]
Istanbul: Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide
14.2K+ Reviews
€7
GetYourGuide
“It was a great experience with nice staff, especially Hagi Uluas, the waiter, he was so funny and kind.” Robert, Jan. 2026, Romania [Source: GetYourGuide]
Istanbul: European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour
1K+ Reviews
€112
GetYourGuide
“The food was amazing. I loved that we were able to explore the Asia side of Istanbul and all the information on the Egyptian/spice market was helpful. Would do this tour again!” Rebecca, Jan. 2026, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes & Sufi Dance Tickets
Be a part of the spiritual spectacle put forward by the Sufi Dervishes as they immerse themselves in prayer with raised hands to feel the creation and motion of the universe. The Whirling Dervishes Istanbul experience will give you a different perspective.
Fabien, Dec. 2023, France [Source: Headout]: “A magical moment of authenticity and spirituality. The traditional music and the Dervishes are a spectacle not to be missed.”
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Sneak a peek into the vast Turkish history and culture and celebrate 800 years of Sufi tradition at the invigorating Whirling Dervish Show! Book your Whirling Dervishes Istanbul show tickets now to avoid missing out on the best of Istanbul!
Ricardo, Nov. 2023, Italy [Source: Headout] “Great distribution of chairs that gives a good view, good explanation before entering , music great ! “
Istanbul: Whirling Dervish Ceremony next to Hagia Sophia
Experience the mesmerizing whirling dervish ceremony accompanied by live traditional Turkish music. Step into Istanbul’s spiritual and artistic heritage at an authentic cultural venue in the heart of the historic city.
“Short but interesting presentation given to explain what we were about to see, then an authentic ceremony which was much enhanced by the explanation, and actually very beautiful and moving. Something I won’t forget.” Rachel, Dec. 2025, UK [Source: GetYourGuide]
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
See the stunning Mevlevi 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. Enjoy complimentary drinks during the show.
Jiamu, April 2024, UK [Source: GetYourGuide] “I rated it 4/5 and I think it deserves to be recommended.(…) If you only consider the performance of the ascetics, musicians and singers, this would be full marks.”
Istanbul Pass MegaPass
Discover Istanbul’s must-see sights with one pass, covering museums and historic landmarks, curated experiences, scenic cruises, free internet access, guided walking tours, public transportation, and special discounts.
Popular Products related to Whirling Dervishes Istanbul
Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
Skip the lines and explore the magnificent 15th-century Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you discover the lavish world and refined tastes of the Ottoman sultans.
“The queue jumpers, well organized and friendly guys” Armando, Jan. 2026, Italy [Source: Headout]
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
Skip the lines and explore Hagia Sophia’s Ottoman-era heritage, where stunning Christian mosaics meet imperial grandeur, enhanced by a multilingual audio guide.
“This was the right tour for me! The guide was very good, knew detailed history of each place. He kept our group together and gave us tourist tips. All 3 sites were amazing.” Diane, Jan. 2026 [Source: Headout]
Combo (Save 5%): Basilica Cistern + Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
Skip the lines and visit two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with one great-value combo ticket, complete with immersive audio guides.
“I was speechless from the moment I entered the cistern. It’s simply incredible what was achieved back then. The visit was at the top of my bucket list, and I was not disappointed.” Patrick, Jan 2026, Germany [Source: Headout]
Istanbul: Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide
Cruise along the Bosphorus on a luxury mega yacht by day or at sunset, with an audio guide included. Choose your preferred option to enjoy snacks, lunch or dinner, plus alcoholic and soft drinks.
“It was a great experience with nice staff, especially Hagi Uluas, the waiter, he was so funny and kind.” Robert, Jan. 2026, Romania [Source: GetYourGuide]
Istanbul: European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour
Indulge in Istanbul’s rich food scene on a guided walking tour across both sides of the city, with 8–9 stops to sample a wide variety of authentic Turkish flavors at each location.
“The food was amazing. I loved that we were able to explore the Asia side of Istanbul and all the information on the Egyptian/spice market was helpful. Would do this tour again!” Rebecca, Jan. 2026, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Bosphorus 4-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Show & Private Table
Enjoy a 3-hour Bosphorus cruise with a private table, a flavorful four-course Turkish dinner, and live entertainment including whirling dervishes and DJ music.
“Very nice atmosphere, service , tour, show … recommended 100% for family , couple , childs too .. the food was extremely delicious” Abdelkrim, Jan. 2026 [Source: Headout]
Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour + Entry Tickets & Free Bosphorus Cruise
Discover Istanbul with this great-value ticket, including entry to Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern, skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia with an audio guide, plus a scenic Bosphorus cruise.
“Offline availability of tickets and river cruise was a highlight; the guide was very good.” John, June 2025 [Source: Headout]
