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Istanbul Whirling Dervish Ceremony, A Mystical Sufi Experience

131 Reviews 4.69 out of 5 stars Based on 131 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 92% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Istanbul, Turkey

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On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

1 hour (approx.)
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Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 1 more
German

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Entry/Admission - Hodjapasha Cultural Center
  • Bottled water
  • Multi National Booklet
  • Food
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Hodjapasha
Hocapasa HamamI Sk. No:3 D:B, Istanbul 34410, Turkiye

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End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Hodjapasha

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.
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Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children under 7 years of age are not allowed
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Whirling Dervish Ceremony, A Mystical Sufi Experience?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-9398P501

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.69
131 reviews

Average 4.69 out of 5 stars based on 131 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
110
4 stars
11
3 stars
3
2 stars
4
1 star
3

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On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Entry/Admission - Hodjapasha Cultural Center
  • Bottled water
  • Multi National Booklet
  • Food
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

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  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children under 7 years of age are not allowed
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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