We all have seen in movies the Whirling Dervish, clad in white robes with a black cloak on top and brown hats sitting on their heads, whirling on mystical songs to attain nirvana.
This divine art, a blend of dance and music, dates back to the 13th century and was founded by Jalaluddin Rumi, a sufi muslim mystic and poet in Turkey.
Initially, the Whirling Dervishes performed this dance as part of a religious ceremony, the Semah. But, in the last few decades, the art form has gained so much popularity that it is performed in cafes and restaurants in Turkey.
The Mevlevi ceremony was cited in UNESCO’s Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2008, giving Whirling Dervishes Shows a push.
You must witness this enlightening and divine performance on your tour to Istanbul.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul.
Top Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets
# Whirling Dervishes Show at HodjaPasha Culture Center
# Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Kizlaragasi Medrese
# E-Pass
Table of Contents
What to expect at Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul
Experience inexplicable energies through the Mevlevi Sema ritual on a Whirling Dervishes Show.
The whirling of dancers is accompanied by Sufi music, which consists of a singer, a flute player, a kettle drummer, and a cymbal player.
The dancers whirl around with their right hands and turn toward God while their left hands are bent toward Earth.
With the consequent spinning of the skirts and robes of Dervishes, they seek to unite with God to seek his blessings.
The show takes guests through a spiritual journey, a worthwhile experience.
| Tickets | Prices |
|---|---|
| Whirling Dervishes Show at HodjaPasha Culture Center | ₺1183 (€36) |
| Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Kizlaragasi Medrese | ₺685 (€21) |
Where to book tickets
Tickets to the Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Show are available online and at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Show ticket booking page, select your preferred date and number of tickets, and book them right away.
Once you purchase Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Show tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the show.
Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul ticket price
Tickets for the Whirling Dervishes Show at HodjaPasha are priced at ₺1183 (€36) for all adults aged 13 years and above.
Children under the age of 12 years can get discounted tickets at ₺671 (€20).
The Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Kizlaragasi Medrese tickets cost ₺685 (€21) for all guests.
Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul tickets
There are two options to witness Whirling Dervishes Shows.
You can choose from the Whirling Dervishes Show at HodjaPasha Culture Center or Kizlaragasi Medrese.
Whirling Dervishes Show at HodjaPasha Culture Center
Purchase this ticket and experience the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes Show at HodjaPasha Culture Center.
Upon arrival, guests receive a booklet that details the Sema Ceremony and helps them understand its historical significance.
The program begins with a 10-minute classic Sufi Concert, which will uplift your soul.
After this, the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony takes place, which lasts for about 45 minutes.
The ticket also includes bottled drinking water.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): ₺1183 (€36)
Child Ticket (up to 12 years): ₺671 (€20)
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Kizlaragasi Medrese
Book this ticket and watch the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Kizlaragasi Medrese.
Learn about the traditional Sema ceremony and feel the magic and heavenly energies as dancers spin en route to God.
Sip refreshing complimentary drinks while enjoying the spiritual performance.
An English host or greeter will share important facts about the ceremony.
Ticket Cost: ₺685 (€21)
Buy This TicketSave time and money! Explore Istanbul’s top attractions with ease and save money by booking a 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-day E-Pass. Get access to over 40 popular attractions and guided tours, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus cruise.
How to get to the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul
The two most iconic places that host the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul are HodjaPasha Culture Center and Kizlaragasi Medrese.
Here, we share directions to these attractions using public or private transport.
How to reachHodjaPasha Culture Center
The HodjaPasha Culture Center is located inside Hodjapasha Hamam (Turkish Bath).
Address: Hoca Paşa, Hoca Paşa Mahallesi Ankara Caddesi, Hocapaşa Hamamı Sk. No:3 D:B, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. Get Directions
By Tram
Take Tram T1 and get down at Sırkecı tram stop, a 4-minute walk from the HodjaPasha Culture Center.
The tram T1 runs from Kabataş to Bağcılar via Eminönü.
By Train
Take the train B1 and get down at the Sırkecı train station, only a 2-minute walk from the theater.
By Bus
Take bus line BN1 to Eminönü İskele bus stop, which is just a 7-minute walking distance.
By Car
If you’re driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
There are a few car parking lots around the HodjaPasha Culture Center.
How to get to Kizlaragasi Medrese
The Kizlaragasi Medrese is located in the Old City of Istanbul.
Address: Alemdar, Hoca Rüstem Sk. No:6, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. Get Directions
By Tram
The Çemberlıtaş and Sultanahmet tram stops are within a 5-minute walking distance from the Kizlaragasi Medrese.
By Bus
The bus lines 121CS, 38Z, 36ES, and PD1 serve the nearby bus stops, including Sultanahmet, Beyazıt, and Kapali Çarşi.
By Car
If you’re driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
There are a few car parking lots around the Kizlaragasi Medrese.
Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul timings
The Whirling Dervishes Show starts at 7 pm at the HodjaPasha Culture Center and Kizlaragasi Medrese and lasts 60 minutes.
This duration includes all the parts of the Sema Ceremony, like Naat-I Sharif, Devr-i Veled,
The Four Salems, and Quranic Recitation.
The show occurs daily at the Kizlaragasi Medrese, while the HodjaPasha Culture Center holds performances every day except for Tuesdays.
The gates open at 6.30 pm for both shows.
Best time to go to the Whirling Dervishes Show
The best time to go to the Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Show is at 7 pm on weekdays when the crowd is less. You will get a relaxing experience witnessing the show.
Please make sure you reach the destination 15 minutes before the show starts. Visitors are not allowed post the start time inside the venue.
The seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis; hence, reach the attraction early and take the most comfortable chairs to get a better view of the show.
History of Whirling Dervishes Shows
The Dervish originates from the Mevlevi Sufi order, which was founded in the 13th century during the Ottoman period by Celaleddin Mevlana Rumi in Konya.
Dervish is another name for the Mevlevis Order, and since Dervishes danced by whirling, the dancers began to be called whirling Dervishes.
Unlike other Islamic orders where devotees prayed and meditated, Mevlevis sought their God by whirling.
The Mevlevi became so popular that it spread to Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine.
When Turkey gained independence after 1925, the whirling Dervishes and their traditions were viewed with suspicion, subsequently leading to this tradition’s downfall.
In 1954, Sufi Dervishes were allowed to perform in public again; hence, the resurgence of the Sema Ceremony took place.
The ceremony was included in the UNESCO’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity list.
Phases of Mevlana Whirling
The Mevlana Whirling involves four phases: Naat-I Sharif, Devr-i Veled, The Four Salems, and Quranic Recitation.
If you know about these phases, you can better understand the switches made by Dervishes during the show.
Naat-I Sharif
The ceremony starts with the naat, where a singer recites a eulogy to praise the prophet Muhammad.
Devr-i Veled
In the second phase, Dervishes walk counterclockwise around the sheik (the ritual leader).
They then bow at each other and later remove their dark cloaks.
The Four Salems
This is the main part of the ceremony when the Dervishes stretch their right palm upwards toward God and the left facing the ground to distribute God’s blessings.
The first Selam describes humans accepting that they are the children of God.
The second one celebrates the rapture of humans when they witness and experience God’s omnipotence.
The third symbolizes complete surrender to God and transformation of rapture to pure love.
The final Salem shows the Dervish’s acceptance of the whole self and that they are merely servants of God.
Quranic Recitation
At the end, the sheik reads the Quran to offer prayers to the prophet.
Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul reviews
The Whirling Dervishes Show is a highly-rated tourist activity.
Check out two Whirling Dervishes Show reviews we selected from Tripadvisor, which give you an idea of what to expect at this attraction.
Do not miss this attraction!
This is an absolute do-not-miss attraction. If you want to experience an ancient custom of obedience, do not miss this event. Get there Early and get a close-up front seat. Enjoy the mesmerizing show and have a great dinner at one of the many restaurants outside after the show. This is a don’t-miss event. Istanbul at its finest.
Hypnotized
This was my first experience of this dance. Unfortunately, no video or photo can be taken. But I was definitely in awe and mesmerized by the show.
FAQs about the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul
Here are a few questions guests ask before attending the Whirling Dervishes Shows.
Where can I watch the Whirling Dervishes Shows in Istanbul?
The HodjaPasha Culture Center and Kizlaragasi Medrese are the two most popular sites to watch the Whirling Dervishes Shows.
Can I book tickets for the Whirling Dervishes Show Istanbul online?
The tickets for the show at HodjaPasha Culture Center and Kizlaragasi Medrese are available online at discounted prices.
Can I cancel my Whirling Dervishes Show Istanbul tickets?
Online tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours before the show begins, and get a full refund on your purchase.
Can I take pictures during the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul?
No, guests are not allowed to take pictures or record videos of the performance.
What if I arrive late at the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul?
Anybody who arrives 15 minutes after the show starts shall not be permitted to enter the show, and ticket prices will not be refunded.
What should I wear to the Whirling Dervishes Show?
Visitors should cover their arms and legs completely. So wearing a sleeved shirt or top with long pants or jeans is advisable. Since Kizlaragasi Medrese is a mosque, guests must remove their shoes before entering the hall, while at HodjaPasha Culture Center, there are no such restrictions.
Is HodjaPasha Culture Center wheelchair accessible?
Since the HodjaPasha Culture Center is not wheelchair accessible, the Whirling Dervishes Show is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs.
What does the Dervish dress symbolize?
The Dervish’s white robes are a symbol of death, their long, black cloaks symbolize the grave, and brown hats represent the tombstone.
Can I leave the Whirling Dervishes Show between and join later?
The Whirling Dervishes is a holy practice and is a form of worship and meditation that the audience should respect and appreciate. Hence, guests are not allowed to leave or rejoin the show.
