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#7 out of 43 in Istanbul

Experience the best Whirling Dervish shows in Istanbul

Witness the mesmerizing whirling dervish ceremony, a 13th-century Sufi meditation. Dervishes in white robes perform a choreographed dance dedicated to their gods, rising gracefully from the ground.
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4,686 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 7, Whirling Dervishes performing traditional dance in Istanbul ceremony.
Whirling Dervishes performing traditional dance in Istanbul ceremony.

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes & Sufi Dance Tickets

1 hr - 3 hrs 30 mins
1 more

  • 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.

More details

  • 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.

from Original price€27
€13.50

50% off

Slide 1 of 9, Whirling dervishes performing at Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Istanbul.
Whirling dervishes performing at Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Istanbul.

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

1 hr

  • Enjoy an immersive Sema ceremony featuring a 5-min intro video, 10-min Sufi concert, and the full 45-min whirling ritual.

  • Explore the exhibition showcasing dervish clothing, instruments, historic books, hyperrealist statues, and interactive Rumi poems.

  • Watch the UNESCO-recognized Mevlevi ritual that traces the dervishes’ spiritual journey toward divine love.

  • Watch the Whirling Dervishes perform their spiritual dance, accompanied by traditional music in an atmospheric setting.

  • Choose your preferred entry time with either a 5pm ticket or a 7pm Prime Time ticket to best suit your schedule.

More details

  • Enjoy an immersive Sema ceremony featuring a 5-min intro video, 10-min Sufi concert, and the full 45-min whirling ritual.

  • Explore the exhibition showcasing dervish clothing, instruments, historic books, hyperrealist statues, and interactive Rumi poems.

  • Watch the UNESCO-recognized Mevlevi ritual that traces the dervishes’ spiritual journey toward divine love.

  • Watch the Whirling Dervishes perform their spiritual dance, accompanied by traditional music in an atmospheric setting.

  • Choose your preferred entry time with either a 5pm ticket or a 7pm Prime Time ticket to best suit your schedule.

from Original price€34.79
€28.88

17% off

Slide 1 of 11, Whirling Dervishes performing in Sultanahmet, Istanbul and visitor in Basilica Cistern.
Whirling Dervishes performing in Sultanahmet, Istanbul and visitor in Basilica Cistern.

Combo (Save 16%): Whirling Dervishes Tickets + Basilica Cistern Ticket with Audio Guide

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and historic wonders in one seamless combo, skip the lines, and dive deep.

  • Enter a centuries-old theological school in Sultanahmet and witness the Whirling Dervish Sema ceremony with live Sufi music, prayer citations, and insights into Rumi’s Mevlevi Order.

  • Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern and explore at your own pace with an audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

  • Unlock Istanbul’s soulful side and hidden depths in a single booking, save time, avoid queues, and pay less than purchasing both tickets separately.

  • Use a multilingual audio guide to uncover the history and engineering of this underground landmark.

More details

  • Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and historic wonders in one seamless combo, skip the lines, and dive deep.

  • Enter a centuries-old theological school in Sultanahmet and witness the Whirling Dervish Sema ceremony with live Sufi music, prayer citations, and insights into Rumi’s Mevlevi Order.

  • Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern and explore at your own pace with an audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

  • Unlock Istanbul’s soulful side and hidden depths in a single booking, save time, avoid queues, and pay less than purchasing both tickets separately.

  • Use a multilingual audio guide to uncover the history and engineering of this underground landmark.

from Original price€84.49
€70.99

16% off

Slide 1 of 6, Whirling dervishes performing in Istanbul with audience watching.
Whirling dervishes performing in Istanbul with audience watching.

Istanbul Sufi Whirling Dervish Ceremony Tickets

1 hr
  • Experience the UNESCO-recognized Mevlevi Sema in Istanbul, a spiritual heritage ritual where turning devotion is preserved as a living Sufi practice.
  • Use skip-the-line entry at the theater, show your ticket at the door, then take your seat as the one-hour Mevlevi Sema ritual prepares to begin.
  • Your ticket covers a one-hour program inside the theater, plus a booklet or digital guide that explains the ritual's history and meaning.
  • Listen to live Sufi music on classical Turkish instruments as dervishes glide in circling steps, symbolizing divine love and stillness.
More details
  • Experience the UNESCO-recognized Mevlevi Sema in Istanbul, a spiritual heritage ritual where turning devotion is preserved as a living Sufi practice.
  • Use skip-the-line entry at the theater, show your ticket at the door, then take your seat as the one-hour Mevlevi Sema ritual prepares to begin.
  • Your ticket covers a one-hour program inside the theater, plus a booklet or digital guide that explains the ritual's history and meaning.
  • Listen to live Sufi music on classical Turkish instruments as dervishes glide in circling steps, symbolizing divine love and stillness.
from Original price€31
€26.35

15% off

Slide 1 of 11, Whirling Dervish performance and Bosphorus cruise near Sultanahmet, Istanbul.
Whirling Dervish performance and Bosphorus cruise near Sultanahmet, Istanbul.

Combo (Save 35%): Whirling Dervishes Tickets + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets with Audio Guide

1 hr - 1 hr 30 mins
Audio guide

  • Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and scenic sides with a combo ticket for a Bosphorus cruise and Whirling Dervish show.

  • Witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema ceremony, a centuries-old Sufi ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes with live music.

  • Feel the tranquility of Sufi instrumentals and prayer citations before the dervishes appear, immersing you in Istanbul’s spiritual heritage.

  • Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Bosphorus cruise, complete with a helpful marine officer and an audio guide in 10 languages.

  • Sail between Europe and Asia on a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, spotting landmarks like Galata Tower and Dolmabahce Palace.

More details

  • Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and scenic sides with a combo ticket for a Bosphorus cruise and Whirling Dervish show.

  • Witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema ceremony, a centuries-old Sufi ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes with live music.

  • Feel the tranquility of Sufi instrumentals and prayer citations before the dervishes appear, immersing you in Istanbul’s spiritual heritage.

  • Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Bosphorus cruise, complete with a helpful marine officer and an audio guide in 10 languages.

  • Sail between Europe and Asia on a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, spotting landmarks like Galata Tower and Dolmabahce Palace.

from Original price€38.50
€25

35% off

Slide 1 of 7, Whirling Dervishes performing in a historic Istanbul venue.
Whirling Dervishes performing in a historic Istanbul venue.

Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience

3 hrs 30 mins
1 more

  • Witness a Whirling Dervish ceremony rooted in centuries-old Sufi traditions.

  • Learn about the teachings of Rumi and the symbolism behind the ritual.

  • Experience the performance in a historic setting that reflects Istanbul’s rich spiritual heritage.

  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a 140-year-old family-run restaurant.

  • Savor a variety of dishes, including kebabs, meze, salads, and the classic dessert künefe.

More details

  • Witness a Whirling Dervish ceremony rooted in centuries-old Sufi traditions.

  • Learn about the teachings of Rumi and the symbolism behind the ritual.

  • Experience the performance in a historic setting that reflects Istanbul’s rich spiritual heritage.

  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a 140-year-old family-run restaurant.

  • Savor a variety of dishes, including kebabs, meze, salads, and the classic dessert künefe.

from Original price€74.70
€67.23

10% off

Slide 1 of 11, Whirling Dervish performance and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
Whirling Dervish performance and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

Combo (Save 22%): Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • 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.

More details

  • 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.

from Original price€61.99
€48.49

22% off

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What our guests say

Rodney B

Australia
Couple
Last week
The web site had a good choice of tours, once the tickets were purchased and arrived at the tour destination the entry was seamless.

Combo: Whirling Dervishes Tickets + Basilica Cistern Ticket with Audio Guide

Mikio M

Canada
Couple
2 weeks ago

+1 more

We visited the Basilica Cistern on September 26, 2026. It was wonderful to have the flexibility to choose our visiting time after 9:00 AM. The waiting queue was extremely long, but we managed to exchange our online reservation for paper entrance tickets through a guide standing nearby. While it was a little tricky to spot the guide at first, it was totally worth it—we got to skip the massive line and head right inside. The Basilica Cistern is truly a must-visit when you are in Istanbul!

Combo: Whirling Dervishes Tickets + Basilica Cistern Ticket with Audio Guide

Katerina M

Cyprus
Group
Aug 2026

+3 more

The directions were very clear, and we had no trouble finding this historic building; we didn’t have to wait long, the performance started on time, and the show could be seen very well from any seat in the auditorium. Gradually, the music and dance drew us into their spiritual world. The dancers and musicians were magnificent—an unforgettable experience!

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes & Sufi Dance Tickets

Iñaki E

Spain
Couple
Aug 2026
An excellent event, with a small group in a spacious, pleasant, well-ventilated venue, and great service from the staff. Good music, beautifully performed, with splendid sound and very spiritual dancing.

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes & Sufi Dance Tickets

Manoj M

United Arab Emirates
Couple
Jun 2026

+2 more

Seamless booking and great pricing via Headout set the stage for a mesmerizing evening. The "Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show" is a profoundly peaceful, spiritual journey. Thank you Team. We loved the experience. > Pro-Tip: Grab a brochure at the ticket office to understand the ritual’s sequence. > Note: To honor its sacred history, no photos/videos are allowed during the performance. Save your snaps for the stunning venue displays, put your phone away, and simply soak in the pure tranquility!

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Joelle I

Solo
May 2026

+2 more

I had, however, already attended this type of spiritual ceremony in France, but those hadn’t moved me to this extent. Moved to tears, I would have liked a moment of quiet reflection at the end to prolong that state of grace and let that vibration linger, but the tourists didn’t seem to have had the same experience, since as soon as it was over, they got up to leave. I loved the phrases displayed on the wall during the whirling dervishes’ dance, the venue, the exhibition, the hospitality, and the overall atmosphere. Thank you for sharing and keeping Rumi’s wisdom alive across the centuries. If you enjoyed this performance, I recommend reading *My Love, the Sufi* by Elif Shafak.

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Eliber L

Colombia
Couple
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.

Combo: Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets

Ibrahim W

Solo
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.

Combo: Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets

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