Hodjapasha Whirling Dervish in Istanbul
Sufi Dance Show in Istanbul
Experience the mystical Whirling Dervish Show in Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Cultural Center—Sufi music, spiritual dance, and Rumi’s legacy in one sacred ritual.
Tour Overview
Witness the mystical journey of the soul in the Sufi Whirling Dervish Show at the historic Hodjapasha Cultural Center. Held in a beautifully restored 15th-century Ottoman hammam, this unique experience offers a deep insight into the spiritual philosophy of Mevlana Rumi. Feel the power of music, movement, and silence as dervishes whirl in a sacred ceremony that has remained unchanged for centuries.
- Authentic Sufi ritual performed in a historic venue
- Live traditional music accompanied by ceremonial whirling
- Intimate cultural atmosphere under a grand Ottoman dome
- Located in the Old City, easily accessible by tram or foot
- Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Join this unforgettable spiritual and cultural journey that transcends language and religion—open to all who seek inner peace and reflection.
Tour Itinerary
18:30 – Arrive at Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Sirkeci, Istanbul. Please make your own way to the venue. Doors open at 18:30. Late arrivals are not accepted.
Upon entering, you will be welcomed beneath a stunning Ottoman dome with complimentary traditional sherbet or herbal drinks. You’ll also have time to explore a brief exhibition about Mevlevi Sufism and Rumi’s teachings.
19:00 – The Sema Ceremony begins. Performed by authentic whirling dervishes accompanied by live Sufi music, this sacred ritual represents the spiritual journey of the soul toward divine love and unity.
19:50 – Show ends. You are free to reflect or walk around the area, located just minutes from the Spice Bazaar and Eminönü.
What's Included
Included
- Whirling Dervish Performing
- Sufi Music
- Traditional Soft Drink
- Local Taxes
- Service Charge
Not Included
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
Important Remarks
Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.
- Ask for your Free Multi-Language Booklet.
- Under 7 years old children are not allowed.
- Taking photos or videos is not allowed.
- Please be ready at the show saloon 30 minutes before the show's start time.
- Our theater is not suitable for wheelchairs.
- Latecomers are allowed to enter the Sema session first 5 minutes for the sake of a peaceful ceremony. Booking of visitors who come later than 10 minutes is regarded as a No-Show and the ticket price will not be refunded.
More Details
As the call to prayer fades over the rooftops of Istanbul’s Old City, you find yourself stepping into another world—Hodjapasha, once a 15th-century Turkish bath, now softly lit and humming with anticipation. The scent of traditional sherbet fills the dome as visitors settle into their seats beneath ancient stones that once echoed the voices of sultans.
Then, the lights dim. The haunting sound of the ney flute pierces the silence. One by one, the dervishes appear—dressed in white, hands crossed, eyes lowered. The Sema Ceremony begins. With each slow rotation, their cloaks rise, and the room transforms into a spiritual space untouched by time. You feel the rhythm—not just in your ears, but in your chest—as centuries-old devotion comes to life before your eyes.
This is no performance. It is a ritual. A living prayer. A meditation in motion. And for a brief, beautiful moment—you are not just watching. You are part of something eternal.
I went to this show not knowing what to expect. That was fantastic. Great value for money for me and an excellent way to spend just over an hour in Istanbul. Wow! they are extremely talented dancers. Do yourself a favor and go and experience this Sufi show.
Great dervishes ceremony in Istanbul, impressed to see. I think it is a must when you visit this mystic city, Istanbul. Don’t miss that performance if you come to Istanbul. Excellent experience highly recommended in Istanbul.
I like the peaceful and mystic dancing, so beautiful music. They will become the most memorable part of my life experience. Amazing Sufi dance show...
Authentic cultural experience! we're so glad we went to the Whirling Dervishes ceremony after the day tour in Istanbul. That was an excellent cultural, musical, and spiritual experience. The saloon is so atmospheric with mistic music. we wish more tourists were there.
Whirling Dervish Sema ceremony and sufi dancers... That was a fascinating opportunity to observe a 'private' religious ceremony. I had seen a public Dervish ceremony in ABD many years earlier and then learned more about the Dervishes during a visit to Konya city, a major Dervish center, six days before this opportunity. During this ceremony, photographs were not allowed in the saloon and I'm pleased to report that the 40-50 attendees respected that request. After the ceremony, the dance members spent about time recreating the ceremony for the benefit of anyone who wanted to take photographs. I found the evening to be both interesting, mystic and uplifting.
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