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.
Posted By : Nanci G
Had the best time wandering around this amazing place. Visited all the recommended mosques and touristy sights on our own. No need to pay a guide. Stayed in an Airbnb in Beyoğlu near the water. Being out of the main touristy area was a plus. Soooo many amazing places to eat. We will be back.
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Posted On : 2023-12-30 13:31:46 
Posted By : Tim D
This was truely great...educational, entertaining and spiritual all at once. Very professionally run and would re ommend to anyone with an hour to spare.
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Posted On : 2023-12-25 13:41:32
Posted By : Aimee P
I loved the exhibit we can look at before the show itself, it really helped me put together the context of the ceremony. I loved that there was an orchestra and the screen that translated each beautiful intention of the ceremony. I definitely felt, from the master dervish, his spiritual connection while he whirled. I seemed as though I felt the Sufi essence while he moved and with the intentions of his movements. Excellent!
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Posted On : 2023-12-15 07:51:36
Posted By : atifs2016
A very calming experience, exceptional performance. A very spiritual ceremony , will calm you down. Highly recommended
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Posted On : 2023-12-12 03:08:04
Posted By : alexandramX9605ME
Wonderful and very interesting spiritual experience. The way that the theatre is set up, seats in the house are “good.” I tecommend going a bit earlier to read all of the display informational materials.
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Posted On : 2023-11-27 05:29:40
Posted By : arashb55
It was a good spiritual show. I loved the music and the poem. I was amazed at how they could keep whirling for such a long time.
The show was well planned and organized.
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Posted On : 2023-11-18 14:03:06
Posted By : melinda w
Don’t think you’re going to a West End show. This is a religious ceremony where you witness the dervishes dance to connect with God. Quite frankly it was incredible! Like nothing you’ve seen before. Kind of felt a bit like you shouldn’t be there watching….. Mystical and magical! take the time to research what it’s all about so you have a good understanding of what you’re witnessing to really appreciate it.
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Posted On : 2023-10-17 12:43:26
Posted By : HarvieDanger
Glad to have seen the ceremony but it was a manufactured experience - I suppose that's to be expected in the middle of Istanbul. We were sat against the walls on high stools and couldn't see the projectors where the events were described. The speakers were high up in the space which made it a bit hard to hear what was being said. Still glad I saw it.
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Posted On : 2023-09-16 03:45:30
Posted By : Philos L
It is not an” interesting show” for tourists. However I find it as a special cultural and spiritual experience. The atmosphere, techniques of the monks, etc all makes me feel the religious power of Sufi monks.
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Posted On : 2023-09-08 13:44:44
Posted By : harism460
Really interesting to see this iconic religious performance live. It is followed by textual instruction of each step so you understand what they represent.
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Posted On : 2023-09-07 18:50:53
