Religious Sites

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Name: Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Start: 2026-05-03T19:00:00
End: 2026-05-03T20:00:00
Location: Hodjapasha

Musicians playing traditional instruments at a Whirling Dervish show.

Whirling Dervish performing in traditional attire during a show.

Whirling Dervishes in traditional attire with Hagia Sophia in Istanbul background.

Brewing Turkish coffee in copper pots over hot coals, Istanbul.

Duration

1 hr

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.

4.3/5(130)

Jessica C

Couple

Verified booking

Jan 2026

A great experience! This is not just a "show" this is a cultural experience. I suggest to arrive early to read and learn about the religion, culture and Dervish dance and see the incredible object they have in display. Cannot take pictures hence no pictures in this review.

Maaike K

Group

Verified booking

Nov 2025

Live music and sema ceremony came across as authentic and cincere. Having read about Rumi I found it a touching experience. Don't expect a show, it is a ceremony. Tasteful exhibition at the foyer. I would recommend it for anyone interested in some backgrounds of Sufi religion and tradition.

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.

1-hour Whirling Dervish show at 5pm or 7pm (as per option selected)

Entry to HodjaPasha Culture Center

Entry to the exhibition with dervish artifacts

Children under 7 years

Wheelchair users

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

130 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 France, Italy, Spain and over 14 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Emanuela R
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Very intense and evocative Not to be missed
Jessica C
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
A great experience! This is not just a "show" this is a cultural experience. I suggest to arrive early to read and learn about the religion, culture and Dervish dance and see the incredible object they have in display. Cannot take pictures hence no pictures in this review.
Paul S
Couple
Verified booking
Dec 2025
We loved the show! It was very moving and profound. It really gives you a cultural feel for Turkey.
Maaike K
Group
Verified booking
Nov 2025
Live music and sema ceremony came across as authentic and cincere. Having read about Rumi I found it a touching experience. Don't expect a show, it is a ceremony. Tasteful exhibition at the foyer. I would recommend it for anyone interested in some backgrounds of Sufi religion and tradition.
Gilberto B
Couple
Verified booking
Nov 2025
Excelent, It was an amazing expirence

A spiritual journey through Sufi music and whirling ritual in Istanbul.

Getting started

Arrive at Hodjapasha Cultural Center at least 30 minutes before your selected showtime. Present your ticket at the entrance and proceed inside. Seating is allocated on a first-booked, first-served basis, so arriving early helps you secure better seats. Once seated, settle into the calm atmosphere as the experience begins.

What to expect

The experience begins with a short introductory video that explains the origins and symbolism of the Mevlevi Sema ceremony, helping you understand the deeper meaning behind the ritual. This is followed by a live Sufi music performance, where traditional instruments set a meditative tone for the evening.

Features

UNESCO-recognized ritual: Experience the authentic Mevlevi Sema ceremony, a spiritual tradition with deep cultural significance.

Live Sufi music: Enjoy traditional music performed with classical instruments that enhance the immersive atmosphere.

Whirling dervish performance: Witness a 45-minute meditative dance symbolizing the journey toward spiritual enlightenment.

Cultural exhibition access: Explore displays of dervish artifacts, costumes, and Rumi-inspired installations.

Flexible showtimes: Choose between 5pm and 7pm slots to fit your schedule.

What to bring

Bring your mobile ticket and arrive early for better seating.

Wear comfortable and respectful attire.

What’s not allowed

No photography or recording during the performance.

Silence must be maintained throughout the ceremony.

Entry is not permitted for children under 7.

Accessibility

Not suitable for wheelchair users due to venue limitations.

Additional information

Choose between 5pm and 7pm showtimes.

The ceremony is a spiritual event, not a theatrical performance.

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.