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Tickets for Whirling Dervishes Show & Mevlevi Sema in Istanbul

Whirling Dervish performing in Istanbul during Mevlevi Sema ceremony.
Whirling dervishes performing the Mevlevi Sema ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey.
Whirling Dervishes performing at Mevlevi Sema ceremony in Istanbul, with audience watching.
Whirling Dervishes performing in Istanbul during a Mevlevi Sema ceremony.

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    • Immerse yourself in the mysticism of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony with a breathtaking performance at Istanbul’s Kizlaragasi Medrese.

    • Experience the magic of the Whirling Dervishes as they perform their dance ritual, dating back 800 years, and leave you utterly mesmerized.

    • Admire the Sufi-inspired traditions and rituals of the Mevlevi Order and surrender to the spiritual ambiance created by the performers

    • Enjoy traditional Sufi music performed live during the ceremony.

    • Sip on complimentary refreshments as you soak in the serene atmosphere.

    • Tickets for the Whirling Dervishes show

    • Mevlevi Sema

    • Entry to Kizlaragasi Medrese

    • Complimentary drinks

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

  • 84 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.

    37
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    France
    Greece
    Chile
    Austria
    Spain
    Bulgaria
    Brazil
    France
    Greece
    Chile
    Austria
    Spain
    Bulgaria
    Brazil
    Guests from France, Greece, Chile and over 7 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Mario C

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Nov 2025
    Music, dance, one looks like the final scene of the movie "Encounters with Remarkable Men".

    Tutku G

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Oct 2025
    This was a really nice experience✨

    Seizov M

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Aug 2025
    Authenticity! Not a fork in the road

    Krastyo P

    Group
    Verified booking
    Jul 2025
    Awesome, Whirling Dervishes Show

    Przybylak C

    Group
    Verified booking
    May 2026
  • Watch the Whirling Dervishes perform a spiritual dance and have a closer look at the centuries-old traditions of the Mevlevi Order.

    Getting started

    Make your way to the historic Kızlar Ağası Medrese in Istanbul’s Old City. Present your ticket at the entrance and settle into your seat before the ceremony begins.

    What to expect

    Experience a 1-hour Mevlevi Sema ceremony, where Whirling Dervishes perform a meditative ritual rooted in centuries-old Sufi traditions. Accompanied by live music, the ceremony unfolds through graceful, continuous spinning that symbolizes spiritual elevation and inner peace.

    Features

    • Sema ceremony: Watch a traditional 1-hour Whirling Dervish performance

    • Live Sufi music: Experience authentic musical accompaniment

    • Historic venue: Set inside an Ottoman-era madrasa

    • Cultural insight: Learn about the Mevlevi Order and its philosophy

    • Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary drinks during the experience

  • What to bring

    • Carry your ticket for entry.

    • Dress respectfully for a cultural and spiritual setting.

    What’s not allowed

    • Avoid disruptive behavior during the ceremony to maintain the atmosphere.

    Accessibility

    • This venue is not wheelchair accessible.

    Additional information

    • Photography is allowed, but be mindful of the performance.

    • Arrive early for a smoother entry and better seating.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

    • Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    Ticket Redemption Point

    • Show your ticket at Kızlarağa Medresesi.

    • Address: Alemdar, Hoca Rüstem Sk. No:6, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

    Get Directions to the Redemption Point

    Getting There

    By Tram

    • The closest tram stop is Sultanahmet. It is a quick 1- minute walk to the redemption point.

    • Board tram #T1 and more to get you there.

    By Bus

    • The closest bus stop is Sultanahmet Square. It is a quick 8-minute walk to the redemption point.

    • Board bus #TB2 to get you there.

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