Istanbul Whirling Dervish Ceremony, A Mystical Sufi Experience
Description
The Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul is a mesmerizing and captivating spiritual practice that has been going on for centuries. It is an ancient Sufi ritual that originated in the 13th century with the founding of the Mevlevi Order by the Persian poet Rumi. The ceremony takes place in a mystical setting, usually in a beautiful and ornate hall known as a tekke. The tekke is adorned with carpets, candles, and other symbolic objects that set the ambiance for the event. The audience gathers in anticipation, eager to witness the profound and mystical experience that is about to unfold. The Whirling Dervishes, also known as semazen, are dressed in traditional white robes, symbolizing purity and detachment from material belongings. They wear tall felt hats called sikkes, representing the tombstones of the ego, which they remove before performing the dance. The dervishes enter the hall in a procession, creating an ethereal atmosphere as they slowly take their places.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema Ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha and witness the 800-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the Whirling Dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals during an hour-long show, including a live orchestra and 360-video projections.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 7 years of age are not allowed
Reviews(144)
An incredibly spiritual and moving experience. I highly recommend. This is not a performance, but a spiritual journey.
Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt reflection. We’re truly glad the experience felt like a meaningful spiritual journey and left such a lasting impression. Your recommendation means a lot to us 😊 Kind regards 🧿 Tourmania Team
An incredibly spiritual and moving experience. I highly recommend. This is not a performance, but a spiritual journey.
Not worth the money. Most of the performance was flute music and chanting with some twirling at the end…and after a couple minutes of twirling that was enough for us.
Dear Guest We’re sorry the performance did not meet your expectations. The music and chanting are part of this traditional and relaxing spiritual experience, with the whirling ceremony as its central moment. We appreciate you sharing your honest feedback. Kind Regards Tourmania Teams
I did not know much about this until I experienced it. It was a great learning experience while in Istanbul!
What an experience ! The ambience of the atmosphere was wonderful. The lighting and verses that go along with the whirling dervish show were a nice touch
Dear Guest, what a beautiful way to describe it! 🌀 We're so glad the lighting and the verses added that extra layer of depth to the ceremony. The Whirling Dervish experience truly is unlike anything else. We hope to welcome you back for another spiritual and mesmerising evening very soon! Kind regards 🧿 Tourmania Team
Beautiful experience that made me realise how spiritual the dance is and reason for it.Wonderful and excellent location
Dear Guest, thank you for these beautiful words! 🌀 It's truly special when the Whirling Dervish ceremony touches you on a deeper level and reveals its spiritual meaning. That connection is exactly what makes this experience so unique. We hope to welcome you back again soon! Kind regards 🧿 Tourmania Team
It is something personal, you need to experience it for yourself. This was my second time. You should try it.
Dear Guest, thank you for the thoughtful words! 😊 We couldn't agree more, some experiences simply have to be lived firsthand. The fact that this was your second time means the world to us! We hope to welcome you back for a third time very soon! Kind regards 🧿 Tourmania Team
WOW. WOW. WOW! What an AMAZING experience seeing the Whirling Dervishes was! I highly recommend this experience on every level - cultural, spiritual, or even just as a curious tourist. The fact that it was a full Whirling Dervish Ceremony (running approx. an hour) with singing, live musicians, and probably a good 45-minutes out outstanding whirling dervish movement (I hesitate to call it 'dancing,' because it's not - it's so much more meaningful and deeper than that) by 5 highly trained and professional Dervishes made for an evening we will never forget, and will absolutely return back to do again. As the Dervishes enter their trances, you can't help but get caught up in the moment. It's very hypnotizing and you're absolutely caught up in the moment. And the venue is PERFECT for this - it's authentic, unique, and every single seat has an amazing view. What an incredible evening. BTW, Tourmania did a wonderful job putting this experience together. They were awesome at answering any questions I had quickly, and made the experience so enjoyable. When you're in a new city seeing an event, you really want to be informed and kept in the loop of every detail, and they did just that. (PS - When you go, read the posters in the lobby area to get a little background on why the Dervishes whirl, and what the ceremony is about. It'll heighten your experience tenfold.)
Dear Guest, What a beautifully written review, thank you so much! Your description of the ceremony is truly moving and we're so glad it left such a profound impression. The tip about reading the lobby posters is wonderful advice for future guests. Really glad Tourmania's communication made everything so seamless. Hope to welcome you back again someday! Kind regards 🧿 Tourmania Team
It was a very meditative experience - highly recommended
Liebe/r Gast, Vielen Dank! Ein meditatives Erlebnis, das ist eine wunderschöne Beschreibung. Wir freuen uns, dass es Ihnen so gut gefallen hat und hoffen, Sie bald wiederzusehen! Herzliche Grüße 🧿 Tourmania Team
Going to see the whirling dervish was an education. The map was very helpful to find the location. The event was approximately one hour in duration. The waiting area had many explanations about the people and the commitment required to participate. There was music and ceremonial carpets laid out for the dancers. Well worth the time to see such dedication to their religion. I left with a better understanding of the significance of the dance.
Dear Guest, Thank you for this thoughtful review! The Whirling Dervish ceremony really is a deeply educational and moving experience and we're so glad you left with a greater understanding of its significance. Really glad the waiting area displays added that extra layer of context. Hope to welcome you back again someday! Kind regards 🧿 Tourmania Team
