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Combo (Save 16%): Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets

Whirling Dervishes performing in Istanbul with Hagia Sophia in the background.
Whirling Dervishes performing in Istanbul with Hagia Sophia in the background.
Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul
Historian Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia

Explore Istanbul's spiritual side with a cost-effective combo to see a Whirling Dervish show and get skip-the-ticket-line access to the Hagia Sophia.

Highlights

  • Seek spiritual enlightenment with a 1-hour Whirling Dervish ceremony at a historic Madrasah at the heart of old Istanbul.

  • 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.

Inclusions

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

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

3.9
659 ratings
5/5
300
4/5
180
3/5
49
2/5
67
1/5
63
Manas Sarkar

Manas

5/5

Nov, 2024

It was very well organised. There was a gentalman who explained the ceremony and even waited for Q & As at the end The musicians were superb and the dervishs were breathtaking definitely worth a visit
Vera Danilova

Vera

5/5

Nov, 2024

Ideal Location Location. Introductory explanations and answers to the most common questions. Price/quality is 10 out of 10. Recommend.
This review is translated. Show original review.
Miguel Veronique

Miguel

5/5

Oct, 2024

An enchanting moment. The only problem was finding the place, as the map link took us a bit further. Aim.for.the.basilica.cistern.and.walk.50m.down.the.same.sidewalk. White.gate.just.before.imperial.tour.operator.
View original review in French
Sabina Laskar

Sabina

5/5

Oct, 2024

I loved the way we were first given the context to the whirling dervish show. The history from where all started. For me, it was a complete eye opener and for the ceremony (the sema dance) was just so magical. I cannot describe it in words but the moment the dervish dance started the aura of the room changed to a mystical one.
Asma Fattoum

Asma

3/5

Oct, 2024

Hello, I had trouble finding the location. The geolocation on the app was unreliable! Very nice show
View original review in French

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

Imagine the warm glow of candlelight illuminating a centuries-old Madrasah as you witness the Sema ceremony. As the first notes of traditional Sufi music fill the Madrasah, the Dervishes begin their graceful twirls. Their movements are slow and deliberate, each spin a representation of their connection to the universe. Watch as the Dervishes reach a state of near-trance, their white skirts creating a blur against the backdrop of the historic building. This performance is more than just a show; it's a window into the heart of Sufism, a mystical tradition that symbolizes their connection to the universe and a letting go of the earthly world.

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.

Hagia Sophia

Monday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Tuesday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Wednesday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Thursday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Friday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Saturday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Sunday09:00 AM - 07:30 PM

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

  • For optimal enjoyment, bring your earphones to use with the audio guide.

What's not allowed

Whirling Dervish Show

  • Shutterbugs, take note: 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.

  • Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography and tripods are no-go inside the venue.

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.

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