Immerse yourself in Turkish culture and visit the newly converted historical Turkish Bath, Hoca Pasa, to experience the beautiful, mystic Whirling Dervishes.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
Duration 1 hour: Check availability to see starting times.
Pickup included: Private pick-up transfer from city center hotels in Istanbul at around 19:00.

Highlights

A chance to experience an historical, traditional Turkish ceremony
The musical ceremony provides an insight into spiritualism among the Mawlawi Order
Opportunity to see the renovated Hodjapasha Culture Center, formerly a Turkish Bath
Having enjoyed enormous popularity in the U.S. recently, tourists may learn and understand the reasons behind Mawlana Jalaladdeen Rumi's reputation

Full description

For the culture vultures among you, a visit to see the Whirling Dervishes show is a must. The story behind these spiritual dances goes back to the late 13th Century, and relates to the spiritual master and poet, Mawlana Jalaladdeen Rumi, who has recently enjoyed great popularity in the US. Originating from Konya in Turkey, the Whirling Dervishes performances are organised by local and national non-profit groups including the Institute of Interfaith Dialog and the Raindrop Foundation. The newly renovated Hodjapasha Culture Center dates back to 550 years ago when it was originally a Turkish bath known as Hoca Pasa bath or Hoca Sinan Pasa bath. Built in the 1470s by the teacher and late vizier to Fatih Sultan Mehmet, incidentally named Hoca Sinan Pasa, the building housed a double bath for men and women. It was specially built with a high dome made of stone and corner walls designed like a peacock tail and the bath served its purpose until 1988. To enjoy a unique glimpse into Turkish history and culture and celebrate 800 years of Sufi tradition, experience the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony performed by the Sufi Group of Istanbul, Galata Mevlevileri.

Includes

Private pick up transfer from your hotel in Istanbul at approx. 19:00h
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Sufi Music Concert
All entrance fees mentioned in the outline
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Private return transfer to your hotel at approx. 21:00h

Food and drinks

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles

Customer reviews

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 3 reviews

Review summary

Value for money
3/5
Safety
4.5/5
Service
4/5
Organization
3/5

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Beautiful dance night

Coming from Berlin, we have lots of Turkish culture and yet I've never had the chance of seeing a Whirling Dervishes show. I'm so happy I took the chance in Istanbul! The mix of choreographie and costumes is so beautiful I'm surprised it's not better known at international level. The transfer from the hotel and back went perfectly smoothly and on time, making the whole evening 100% pleasure. Very recommended.

June 6, 2013

Nice experience

The experience was one off and very professional. We did not feel it is a tourist activity rather an authentic one The one down side it was only for one hour not two

August 2, 2016

The guide collected us at 5pm for the show to start at 7pm. After travelling for 2 hours and 15 minutes we had to eventually travel by foot borrowing the drivers phone to guide us to the venue. Once we got there the venue had no record of our booking. It was frustrating as they messed about for 20 minutes trying to find our booking, which they couldn't. Its only after finally getting quite angry about the situation they allowed us in to see the show. I paid £169 for a 15 minute show!! I was extremely angry as the booking had said we would have a English speaking guide which never happened and a 2 hour show, which the venue said was only ever 1 hour. Highly disappointing and probably would not recommend to anyone else.

August 28, 2018

Evening of whirling

Fantastic evening learning about the history of the dervishes and being immersed in something quite extraordinary. We were picked up and returned on time and just had the most amazing experience. How those dancers manage to keep whirling is incredible. Would thoroughly recommend.

October 14, 2019

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Show with Hotel Transfer

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Show with Hotel Transfer

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Beautiful dance night

Nice experience

Evening of whirling