Combos

Combo (Save 20%): Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets

Whirling dervishes performing in a traditional ceremony hall, Istanbul.

Whirling dervishes performing Sufi dance in a hall with an audience, Istanbul.

Aerial view of Hagia Sophia and surrounding gardens in Istanbul, Turkey.

Hagia Sophia interior with ornate dome and Islamic calligraphy, Istanbul.

Open today

8:00am - 7:30pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.4/5(772)

Eliber L

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

It was a wonderful ceremony; I was completely immersed in a very spiritual atmosphere. The chants, the dancing, and everything else that goes into the ritual were beautiful. All of us in the audience were spellbound by the artists’ mastery.

Maria K

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

Just We received the code for Sophia but not the ones for the cistern. It’s not worth going to Sophia right now—Mievtats is under renovation. The cistern is impressive, but a young woman had to help us because I never received the codes for the entrance; she had to write to the ticket provider to have them sent to us.

Ibrahim W

Solo

Verified booking

Apr 2026

A truly impressive and spiritual experience. The whirling dervishes and the Sufi dance were fascinating to watch and created a special, almost meditative atmosphere. The organization and flow were good, though it’s worth noting that this is more of a quiet, cultural performance than a traditional “show.” Overall, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in culture and spirituality.

Sharron S

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

The dancing itself was beautiful. We appreciated that they stayed so true to it's roots. The sacred meditative Sufi practice was honored and didn't sell out to this just being a dancing performance. People people just looking for dancers performing, might not appreciate it in the way that those who understood its roots certainly did.

Kunda H

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

Nestled in a historic traditional building just near the Hagia Sophia this venue was easy to locate. Smooth and hassle free entry. The experience of the show was surreal. It's more of a Sufi ceremony than a public performance that transcends you beyond the everyday. If you are up for such feels, please don't miss it!

Ousalmi O

Solo

Verified booking

Apr 2026

It was wonderful the experience was so deep and so emotional. Seeing the dancers spin together was so mystic, plus the explanations were complete and helped us understand what we were watching.

Learn about Rumi's Mevlevi order in a 1-hour Whirling Dervish ceremony at a historic Madrasah near Hagia Sophia.

Be captivated by the swirling dervishes, their white gowns flowing as they perform the centuries-old Sema ceremony.

Explore the Hagia Sophia at your own pace with a skip-the-line ticket, marveling at its mosaics and ancient architecture.

Learn about the Hagia Sophia's history through multiple ancient empires with the multilingual audio guide, uncovering the stories behind its artwork.

Fun fact: The whirling dervishes' white gowns represent a shroud, symbolizing their letting go of the earthly world.

Whirling Dervish Show

Entry to 1-hour Whirling Dervish show

Hagia Sophia

Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area

Audio guide in 23 languages

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

772 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 Italy, France, Spain and over 35 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Rigoberto R
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Both the cruise and the dances were an interesting experience, especially learning more about Turkey's culture and customs.
Maria K
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
Just We received the code for Sophia but not the ones for the cistern. It’s not worth going to Sophia right now—Mievtats is under renovation. The cistern is impressive, but a young woman had to help us because I never received the codes for the entrance; she had to write to the ticket provider to have them sent to us.
Rebai M
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
I loved it, was so relaxing , i felt such a beautiful connexion🇹🇷❤️
Fayad S
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
I really liked it, especially the second half of the CD with "Medusa" and "The Column of Tears"
Angela B
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
It was easier; we were able to go straight to the attractions using the code

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

Strict dress code: Guests must dress modestly and cover their knees and shoulders. Women should also partially cover their hair with a scarf.

No flash photography here too.

Accessibility

Whirling Dervish Show & Hagia Sophia

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

Hagia Sophia

During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.

Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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.