The Istanbul Whirling Dervish Ceremony, a transcendental performance by Sufi Dervishes is one of the most popular events in the city.
Highlights:
Go on a spiritual journey
Most popular event in the city
800 year old mystical dance show
See the Mevlevi Semah ceremony
Whirling Dervish Istanbul Show
Go on spiritual journey and watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity. The Sema ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to perfection through mind and love – do not miss this experience of music and moves.
Posted By : Rupa_P
The show itself was good but there was no one to meet us at the meeting point - I even messaged the provider on viator through text message - we had to figure it out ourselves - we finally went to the counter and showed them my voucher for the show and even then it took us some time to get the tickets as they didn’t have them
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Posted On : 2024-05-08 15:14:02 
Posted By : applee17
This is a fascinating ceremony. Mesmerising watching the men spinning for over 5 minutes a time with the commentary letting you know what each part means. This is not a 'show' - no clapping, no pictures or audience appreciation involved.
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Posted On : 2024-03-31 07:08:49 
Posted By : CyrilSen
The first thing to do i to go at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time so that you can read the many posters with good information.
The theater is not too big, so it does not really matter where you sit, you can see the show clearly.
The musicians and the sound system is good.
The dervishes are professional and the show was a great experience.
My experience was at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center.
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 11:42:28
Posted By : nickim794
Fabulous original authentic hamam setting. Mesmerizing Sufi performance with live music and traditional instruments. The energy & atmosphere incredible. No photos or videos allowed - a rare occurrence were audience sat in silence to experience ancient tradition and culture. Wonderful!
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Posted On : 2023-10-02 10:38:22
Posted By : Elaine_A
Highly recommend this event for folks wanting to understand the meaning and practice. Mesmerizing and informative. If wanting something more culturally specific and not “touristy,” this is most appropriate. There are also many restaurants near the venue, literally 10 ft. . Grab dinner beforehand and then the hour show. Limited seating and intimate venue. One is just 1-4 ft away from the Dervish. Not for ignorant tourists trying to check off the boxes of an Istanbul trip. The event is spiritual and requires
respect from audience.
No photography or video.
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Posted On : 2023-03-20 21:27:31
Posted By : Thomas S
We were unable to find the theatre after 90 minutes searching. We took 2 taxis. Asked directions of 5 tour guides and one tourist agency. No one knew of this theatre nor how to locate it. We were very disappointed
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Posted On : 2022-09-15 05:05:50
Posted By : Zhongwei_L
I like the the peaceful Dancing and beautiful music, they will become the most memorable part of my experience.
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Posted On : 2021-12-23 01:17:29
Posted By : SusanCWilby
The information on ticket was wrong it gave a wrong address for the experience. We spent two hours trying to find it. It was only when we went into a travel agency that we found the correct address. I even sent a message but no one replied. The actual whirling dervish experience was very poor and not enjoyable. I would not recommend it.
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Posted On : 2021-12-15 15:52:14
Posted By : AntonioMarquezBordas
The shows is not performing, anyway they got my money and now awaiting the refund. I wasted my precious holiday time looking for a completely fake advertising. I called customer service and the provider, any of them are working. The Orient Express restaurant, beside the event hall inside the Sirkesi train station, indicated me that they stopped the show two weeks ago.
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Posted On : 2021-09-26 02:15:08
Posted By : Vladimir_K
I had two major issues with this tour. It got cancelled last minute. The operator sent me an email at 5:15pm (start time was at 7pm) and I obviously didn’t see it. So I went there and only after I arrived I learned that it is cancelled. They should have called me or texted me. The second issue is that it is nearly impossible to find. The description doesn’t specify exact location, so we ended up running around several blocks and asking many people for help until we found it. Operator should do better job describing where the show is. We had terrible experience. I don’t recommend.
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Posted On : 2021-09-24 00:31:30
