Your experience
Experience the Whirling Dervishes & Sufi Dance in Istanbul, with options for a traditional Turkish dinner or an authentic Mevlevi Sema ritual.
Getting started
Arrive at your selected venue in the Sultanahmet or Hagia Sophia area and present your ticket for entry. Depending on your chosen option, you may begin with a traditional Turkish dinner at a nearby restaurant or proceed directly to the performance venue. Seating is arranged upon arrival, so reaching early is recommended.
What to expect
The experience centers around the Mevlevi Sema ceremony, a centuries-old spiritual ritual that represents a dervish’s journey toward divine connection through music and movement. The evening begins with traditional Sufi music, setting a meditative tone before the whirling ritual unfolds. As the dervishes spin in synchronized motion, their performance symbolizes spiritual ascent and inner harmony. Depending on your selected option, your experience may also include a traditional Turkish dinner with regional dishes.
Features
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Authentic Sema ceremony: Experience a UNESCO-recognized spiritual ritual performed by trained dervishes
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Live Sufi music: Enjoy traditional music that enhances the ceremonial atmosphere
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Central Old Town venue: Attend the show near Istanbul’s iconic landmarks
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Optional Turkish dinner: Savor kebabs, meze, salads, tea, coffee, and künefe (as per option selected)
- Rated 4.2 / 514 reviews
- Mobile ticketShow it on your phone
- Duration1 – 3.5 hours
- CancellationFree cancellation
- Witness the UNESCO-recognized Mevlevi Sema ceremony, a spiritual ritual blending music, meditation, and whirling dance.
- Begin your evening in the Sultahmet or Hagia Sophia area; present your ticket and settle in for the spiritual Mevlevi Sema ceremony.
- Your ticket grants access to the full Whirling Dervish ritual, with live Sufi music and mesmerizing dance in a central Old Town venue.
- Witness the 1-hour Mevlevi Sema, a moving display of devotion and artistry, as dervishes whirl in authentic tradition before your eyes.
- Upgrade your experience with a traditional Turkish dinner including a variety of kebabs, meze, salads, tea, coffee, and künefe.
- Whirling Dervishes show
- 1 hour Mevlevi Sema ritual
- Authentic Turkish dinner (as per option selected)
- Traditional dessert künefe (as per option selected)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly. Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point. Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
- Getting there: Turquoise Istanbul Event Hall, Alemdar Cd. No:5, 34110 Fatih, İstanbul.
- Carry your mobile ticket and arrive early for smooth entry.
- Dress modestly to respect the cultural and spiritual setting.
- Flash photography is not permitted during the ceremony.
- Guests are expected to remain quiet and respectful throughout the performance.
- This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Seating is arranged upon arrival; early arrival is recommended.
- Dinner depends on the option selected.
- You may carry small bags or personal belongings to the venue.
