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Religious Sites

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes & Sufi Dance Tickets

Whirling Dervish in traditional attire performing in a dimly lit setting.
Whirling Dervishes performing in Istanbul with musicians in the background.
Whirling Dervishes performing traditional dance in Turkey with musicians in the background.
Whirling Dervishes performing in a cultural ceremony.

Duration

1 hr - 3 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience
4.8/5(150)

María B

Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
The whole experience was excellent, from the moment I walked in to buy tickets until the end of the show—the friendliness, the service, how easy it was to buy tickets, and the street musicians with their music—it was wonderful!

Norah A

Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
It was exceptional experience and Şule 🐈‍⬛ our guide was very knowledgeable about it And The restaurant selection was amazing.

Marcello P

Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
I was trying to buy tickets and came across your website, which was easy to use, fast, and clear. Without even printing them out—just using our phones—we got into the show, which was fascinating and almost mystical.

Kevin P

Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
I thought that the introduction and history of the Suffi movement was excellent Giving a good understanding of the spiritual transcendence of the danc The dance itself was beautiful to experience

Mary L

Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
It was a very cultural awakening, the info given really set the tone for the orchestral and dance performance. Well worth taking the time for the experience. Everything went smoothly

Julie C

Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
A wonderful experience. Clear explanations. We never felt like we were being taken for a ride. The price was reasonable, and the proceeds go to a scholarship foundation.
    • 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
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 150 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.

    133
    9
    4
    2
    2
    United States
    Italy
    France
    Canada
    Australia
    Spain
    Chile
    Saudi Arabia
    United Kingdom
    Algeria
    United States
    Italy
    France
    Canada
    Australia
    Spain
    Chile
    Saudi Arabia
    United Kingdom
    Algeria
    Guests from United States, Italy, France and over 16 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    María B

    Couple
    Verified booking
    5 days ago
    The whole experience was excellent, from the moment I walked in to buy tickets until the end of the show—the friendliness, the service, how easy it was to buy tickets, and the street musicians with their music—it was wonderful!

    Norah A

    Couple
    Verified booking
    4 days ago
    It was exceptional experience and Şule 🐈‍⬛ our guide was very knowledgeable about it And The restaurant selection was amazing.

    Gustavo B

    Solo
    Verified booking
    Last week
    A spiritual connection with God. It feels very real. You can tell that the dancers and musicians are truly devout. I would go again. I highly recommend it.

    Andrea B

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 weeks ago
    Great experience! Highly recommendable🤩

    Marcello P

    Couple
    Verified booking
    May 2026
    I was trying to buy tickets and came across your website, which was easy to use, fast, and clear. Without even printing them out—just using our phones—we got into the show, which was fascinating and almost mystical.
  • 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

    • Authentic Sema ceremony: Experience a UNESCO-recognized spiritual ritual performed by trained dervishes

    • Live Sufi music: Enjoy traditional music that enhances the ceremonial atmosphere

    • Central Old Town venue: Attend the show near Istanbul’s iconic landmarks

    • Optional Turkish dinner: Savor kebabs, meze, salads, tea, coffee, and künefe (as per option selected)

  • What to bring

    • Carry your mobile ticket and arrive early for smooth entry.

    • Dress modestly to respect the cultural and spiritual setting.

    What’s not allowed

    • Flash photography is not permitted during the ceremony.

    • Guests are expected to remain quiet and respectful throughout the performance.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

    Additional information

    • 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.

    • 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.

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