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Learn about Rumi's Mevlevi order in a 1-hour Whirling Dervish ceremony at a historic Madrasah near Hagia Sophia.
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Be captivated by the swirling dervishes, their white gowns flowing as they perform the centuries-old Sema ceremony.
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Explore the Hagia Sophia at your own pace with a skip-the-line ticket, marveling at its mosaics and ancient architecture.
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Learn about the Hagia Sophia's history through multiple ancient empires with the multilingual audio guide, uncovering the stories behind its artwork.
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Fun fact: The whirling dervishes' white gowns represent a shroud, symbolizing their letting go of the earthly world.
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Whirling Dervish Show
- Entry to 1-hour Whirling Dervish show
Hagia Sophia
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Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
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Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
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Audio guide in 23 languages
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 738 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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This pocket-friendly combo lets you experience two of Istanbul's most captivating cultural treasures: the whirling dervishes' ceremony and the Hagia Sophia.
Whirling Dervish Show
As you enter the historic madrasah, you’ll take your seat before the ceremony begins. The performance opens with traditional Sufi music played live, setting the tone for the ritual. When the dervishes step into the space, their measured turns follow the formal structure of the Sema, each phase representing a step in the Mevlevi spiritual practice. Their flowing skirts rise as they rotate in controlled, deliberate motion, illustrating the discipline and symbolism behind this centuries-old tradition. Throughout the ceremony, you’ll witness how movement, music, and prayer come together to express the core principles of Sufism.
Hagia Sophia
Your combo ticket also grants you skip-the-line access to the Hagia Sophia. With your multilingual audio guide, embark on a self-guided exploration, unraveling the stories etched in the mosaics and the intricate calligraphy adorning the walls. Imagine the footsteps of Byzantine emperors echoing through the 6th-century Emperor's Gate. Don't miss the Mihrab, a prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca – a reminder of Hagia Sophia's past as both a church and a mosque. Keep an eye out for the towering columns, each brought from ancient cities such as Ephesos and Tarsus. Explore this time capsule at your own pace as you soak in its centuries-old history.
What to bring
Hagia Sophia
- For optimal enjoyment, bring your earphones to use with the audio guide.
What's not allowed
Whirling Dervish Show
- Flash photography and tripods are no-go inside the venue.
Hagia Sophia
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Strict dress code: Guests must dress modestly and cover their knees and shoulders. Women should also partially cover their hair with a scarf.
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No flash photography here too.
Accessibility
Whirling Dervish Show & Hagia Sophia
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Additional information
Hagia Sophia
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During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.
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Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.
Ticket redemption points
Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance Tickets in Sultanahmet Area
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
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