Religious Sites

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Name: Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Start: 2026-11-05T19:00:00
End: 2026-11-05T20:00:00
Location: Hodjapasha

4.6/5(179)

Romy B

Solo

Verified booking

2 days ago

The whirling dervish dance left a lasting impression on me. The graceful spins, the music, and the special atmosphere made a deep impact. After the performance, I read all the information boards in the foyer again with even greater interest. An impressive experience that inspired me to learn more about this spiritual tradition.

Millepied P

Couple

Verified booking

2 days ago

It is a very interesting ceremony. The explanations help you better understand the history and meaning of this belief and contemplation. The musicians and singers draw you right into the atmosphere, and above all, the dervishes put on an impressive physical performance. Bravo to everyone. I recommend it. Taking photos is forbidden... what a pity!

Antonio L

Solo

Verified booking

Oct 2026

My experience was very spiritual, from the exhibition before the show to the singing and performance. It was exactly what I expected. The set lights and stage made it even more beautiful. I would come back to see this show again. I learned and felt so much.

Diana S

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

I enjoyed the restoration of the venue, how everyone entered and exited in an orderly fashion, and their explanations of the Whirling Dervishes SEMA exhibition for those unfamiliar with sufism and Islam.

Duniya 2

Solo

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Its an amazing experience, very well done. The whole performance goes seamless. My only feedback os the sitting arrangement. Seats are assigned by the management amd something very tall people sit in front of you blocking the view. If shorter and thinner people are on the front row and taller on the back, that would be nice.

Mascia A

Solo

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Easy booking for the show of your choice. Even if not specified in the reservation, you will be assigned a numbered seat in the audience area, which consists of 3–4 rows arranged in a circle around the performance area.

Enjoy an immersive Sema ceremony featuring a 5-min intro video, 10-min Sufi concert, and the full 45-min whirling ritual.

Explore the exhibition showcasing dervish clothing, instruments, historic books, hyperrealist statues, and interactive Rumi poems.

Watch the UNESCO-recognized Mevlevi ritual that traces the dervishes’ spiritual journey toward divine love.

Watch the Whirling Dervishes perform their spiritual dance, accompanied by traditional music in an atmospheric setting.

Choose your preferred entry time with either a 5pm ticket or a 7pm Prime Time ticket to best suit your schedule.

1-hour Whirling Dervish show at 5pm or 7pm (as per option selected)

Entry to HodjaPasha Culture Center

Entry to the exhibition with dervish artifacts

Children under 7 years

Wheelchair users

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

179 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, France, Italy and over 26 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Romy B
Solo
Verified booking
2 days ago
The whirling dervish dance left a lasting impression on me. The graceful spins, the music, and the special atmosphere made a deep impact. After the performance, I read all the information boards in the foyer again with even greater interest. An impressive experience that inspired me to learn more about this spiritual tradition.
Millepied P
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
It is a very interesting ceremony. The explanations help you better understand the history and meaning of this belief and contemplation. The musicians and singers draw you right into the atmosphere, and above all, the dervishes put on an impressive physical performance. Bravo to everyone. I recommend it. Taking photos is forbidden... what a pity!
Duniya 2
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Its an amazing experience, very well done. The whole performance goes seamless. My only feedback os the sitting arrangement. Seats are assigned by the management amd something very tall people sit in front of you blocking the view. If shorter and thinner people are on the front row and taller on the back, that would be nice.
Antonio L
Solo
Verified booking
Oct 2026
My experience was very spiritual, from the exhibition before the show to the singing and performance. It was exactly what I expected. The set lights and stage made it even more beautiful. I would come back to see this show again. I learned and felt so much.
Diana S
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
I enjoyed the restoration of the venue, how everyone entered and exited in an orderly fashion, and their explanations of the Whirling Dervishes SEMA exhibition for those unfamiliar with sufism and Islam.

The experience begins with a short introductory video that explains the origins and symbolism of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony, helping you understand the deeper meaning behind the ritual. This is followed by a live Sufi music performance, where traditional instruments set a meditative tone for the evening.

Features

UNESCO-recognized ritual: Experience the authentic Mevlevi Sema ceremony, a spiritual tradition with deep cultural significance.

Live Sufi music: Enjoy traditional music performed with classical instruments that enhance the immersive atmosphere.

Whirling dervish performance: Witness a 45-minute meditative dance symbolizing the journey toward spiritual enlightenment.

Cultural exhibition access: Explore displays of dervish artifacts, costumes, and Rumi-inspired installations.

Flexible showtimes: Choose between 5pm and 7pm slots to fit your schedule.

What to bring

Bring your mobile ticket and arrive early for better seating.

Wear comfortable and respectful attire.

What’s not allowed

No photography or recording during the performance.

Silence must be maintained throughout the ceremony.

Entry is not permitted for children under 7.

Accessibility

Not suitable for wheelchair users due to venue limitations.

Additional information

Choose between 5pm and 7pm showtimes.

The ceremony is a spiritual event, not a theatrical performance.