Tours/Istanbul/Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema
Viator

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema

4.3(139)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.4(77)TRIPADVISOR4.3(62)

Description

Seeing whirling dervishes is a way of altering your normal state of consciousness to give it a tour of the magical world. Watching dancers occupied by a state of hyper consciousness and maintaining an outstanding balance is a magnificent scene. Attending the Whirling Dervishes and Mevlevi ceremony is undoubtedly something you should never miss if you are in the area.

Tour Options

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema

Itinerary

Admission included

The Mevlevi Sema ceremony is a Sufi ceremony that symbolizes the degrees of the path to Allah, contains religious elements and themes, and has detailed rules and qualities in this form. Mevlevi was the son of Mavlana Jalaluddin Rumi. It was performed in a disciplined manner starting from the time of Sultan Veled and Ulu Arif Celebi. These rules were developed until the time of Pir Adil Celebi and have taken their final form to the present day.

Highlights

Whirling Dervishes Ceremony

What's included

Included
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Not included
Pick up and drop off

Traveller Ratings

4.3
139 reviews
5
87
4
26
3
13
2
9
1
4

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(139)

C
Charles_J
June 7, 2026
Show was fine but explanation would have been nice.

The Whirling Dervish performance was good. However, there is no explanation beforehand. Since the show is geared towards tourists, I felt that a review of what we would be seeing would have been very beneficial.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass

N
Natasha A
June 5, 2026
Amazing show, highly recommended.

We were all mesmerised watching the whirling dervishes and listening to the beautiful music. We read about the practice before we went to the ceremony, so it was more meaningful.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass

A
Anupma_G
May 2, 2026
Dervish

The center should have explained the ceremony and dance significance - we did not understand and were very bored

J
JeanChristophe_C
April 20, 2026
Arrive 25 minutes in...

Arrive 25 minutes in advance for the best seats. The first half hour is music only. Not 100% sure that this is a real ceremony and not just a performance (i.e not sure they are real Derviches)

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass

S
Silvia_O
April 9, 2026
Fair show for tourists

The show is cute, with great musicians (no flute, strange because it would be the most traditional instrument). The three dervishes rotate slowly and only in the last quarter of an hour. The audience is quite rude, with so many children making noise. Convenient to reach by tram.

A
Andy_M
April 7, 2026
Give this a whirl!

This is a moving and genuine experience with great musicians and a historic setting. I would recommend reading up a little bit so you under understand the ceremony

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass

D
D1066MOarnaudd
March 23, 2026
To see once.

Hello, we witnessed this experience. We enjoyed the show but it is quite summary, no explanation about the dances or its meanings and instruments and songs. We were nevertheless greeted with tea. To see once but without more.

P
P3751FGbriank
March 19, 2026
Whirling dervish

Excellent authentic performance. Dancers were so graceful. Room was small with clear view for taking photos. Be early to get front row.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass

J
JaNel_W
March 13, 2026
March Whirling

This experience was outstanding. My daughter and I enjoyed every minute of it. Please dress warm we came in March and it was cold, plus all the whirling made it colder.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass

D
Dawn_V
March 13, 2026
Authentic experience

Intimate venue, authentic experience , convenient location . Good value for money. Free water for money

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your trip and the experience with the Istanbul E-pass. We look forward to participating in your next adventure in Turkey again. Best Regards Dan Istanbul E-pass

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