Go on a spiritual journey and watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order in a historical venue. The Sema ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to perfection through mind and love, do not miss this experience of music and motion!

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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
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Duration 1 hour: Check availability to see starting times.
Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Witness a performance containing 800-year-old mystical roots
Enjoy the live musical introduction of Mevlevi music
Watch a performance in the famous old city

Full description

The Sufi Ceremony is a transcendental performance by Sufi Dervishes, also known as Whirling Dervishes. It is referred to as "Semah" in Turkish. You can embark on a spiritual journey and watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity. The Sema ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to perfection through mind and love. do not miss this experience of music and moves. A Dervish is a Sufi, member of the Mevlevi Order. A Sufi is a mystic that seeks to find divine truth and love directly with God. Sufism is the centuries-old stream in Islam for the followers of 13th-century poet Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi from Konya, Turkey. He is mostly known for the themes of acceptance and tolerance in his teachings and poetry. The community of Sufism developed religious practices focusing on self-control that enable both mental and mystical insights as well as a loss of self, with the ultimate goal of mystical union with God.

Includes

Ismail Dede Efendi House entry ticket

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You must bring your own headphones

Meeting point

The activity takes place at Hodjapasha in Fatih/Istanbul.

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Important information

Know before you go

Complete silence is expected during the ceremony

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 191 reviews

Review summary

Value for money
4.1/5
Service
4.4/5
Organization
4.2/5

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I saw the whirling dervishes on tv when I was young and when I decided to visit Istanbul I knew this was something I really wanted to do. The performance is set in a beautiful subterranean space aglow in soft blue lighting that also serves as a restaurant. Also, due to COVID, the restaurant is temporarily closed. The show itself is mesmerizing and I was amazed that the dancers could spin so fast and for so long while staying in one place. The music accompanying the dancer’s routine is quite beautiful. One thing I would have enjoyed is a bit of commentary before the performance on the history of the dervishes.

November 23, 2020

Mesmerising experience

It was such a beautiful experience. The music was mesmerising and watching the whirling dervishes was transcendent. I just wish people wouldn’t applaud during and after the ceremony. It felt wrong to me since we were just privileged to witness their spiritual practice. It didn’t feel like they were doing it for us, which I loved. I highly recommend this experience.

October 14, 2019

Wonderful performance of whirling dervishes and acompanying instrumental group! A tasty welcoming glas of tea. We were sitting in rather uncomfortable chairs around the improvised podium. Motivated performers and we were astonished by their endurance! Wish there was an interpretur in the begining of the show who could explain the background of this performance/prayer! Good value for money

October 13, 2019

Istanbul: Live Whirling Dervishes Experience

Istanbul: Live Whirling Dervishes Experience

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Mesmerising experience