Discover the Spiritual Whirling Dervishes at Hodjapasha

Experience the spiritual and mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes show in Istanbul with our exclusive tour. The Sema Ceremony at Hodjapasha offers a unique blend of culture, history, and spirituality, showcasing the profound beauty of the Mevlevi Order’s traditions. This one-hour performance provides an intimate glimpse into the mystical Sufi rituals, set in a historical and atmospheric venue.

Why Choose the Whirling Dervishes Show at Hodjapasha?

  • Authentic Sema Ceremony: Witness the traditional Sema ceremony, a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage, performed by the Whirling Dervishes in an authentic setting.
  • Historical Venue: Enjoy the show in Hodjapasha, a restored 15th-century Turkish bath turned cultural center, enhancing the mystical ambiance of the ceremony.
  • Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of the Sufi traditions and the philosophy behind the Whirling Dervishes through informative displays and presentations.
  • Mesmerizing Performance: Experience the captivating music and dance, where the dervishes perform their meditative whirling in harmony with live traditional instruments.
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Services Included

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  • Venue Entry: Admission to the Hodjapasha Cultural Center for the Whirling Dervishes show.
  • Informative Displays: Access to exhibitions and displays providing background information on the Mevlevi Order and the Sema ceremony.
  • Multilingual Information: Available information in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Turkish.
  • Cultural Experience: An hour-long immersive performance that includes traditional music, chanting, and the whirling dance.
  • Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during the performance.
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Detailed Program

Introduction Video: 5-minute introductory video about the Sema ceremony and the Mevlevi Order.
Sufi Music Concert: 10-minute live Sufi music concert to set the spiritual tone.
Whirling Dervishes Performance: 45-minute Sema ceremony featuring the Whirling Dervishes.

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Show Times

Year-Round: The show takes place every day at 19:00.
Summer Months: Additional show at 17:00 and the regular show at 19:00.

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Booking Options

Adult Ticket: $39 per person
Child Ticket (7-12): $22 per child
Children under 7 years of age are not allowed

Optimal Times for the Whirling Dervishes Show

The Whirling Dervishes show runs year-round and is not weather-dependent, making it ideal for any time of the year.

Key Informations about Whirling Dervish Show in Hodjapasha

Address: Hodjapasha Cultural Center, Hoca Pasha Mh., Hocapaşa Hamamı Sk. No:3, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

  • By Tram: Take tram T1 to Sirkeci Tram Station, a short walk from the center.
  • By Metro: Take the M2 line to Haliç Metro Station, then walk to the center.
  • By Bus: Various bus lines stop near Eminönü, from where it is a short walk to Hodjapasha.
  • Comfortable Seating: Relax and enjoy the performance with ample seating options.
  • Restrooms: Conveniently located restrooms for your comfort.
  • Exhibition Area: Explore informative displays about the Mevlevi Order and the Sufi tradition.
  • Arrive Early: Arrive 30 minutes early to explore the exhibition area and secure good seats.
  • Dress Modestly: Respect the spiritual nature of the ceremony by dressing modestly.
  • No Photography: Photography and video recording are not allowed during the performance to maintain the sanctity of the ceremony.
  • First Come, First Served: Seats are allocated on a first-booked, first-served basis.
  • Late Arrivals: Late comers are allowed to enter within the first 10 minutes. Arrivals after 15 minutes are considered no-shows with no refund.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul

The price includes entry to the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, access to the exhibitions, and the Whirling Dervishes performance.

Children under 7 years of age are not allowed. Children aged 7-12 can attend with a ticket.

The venue is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Photography and video recording are not permitted during the performance to maintain the ceremony’s spiritual atmosphere.

Yes, children under 7 years of age are not allowed.

Information is available in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Turkish.

Modest attire is recommended out of respect for the spiritual nature of the ceremony.

The show lasts for approximately 1 hour.

It is located in the heart of Istanbul at Hoca Pasha Mh., Hocapaşa Hamamı Sk. No:3, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

The show takes place every day at 19:00. During the summer months, there is an additional show at 17:00.

Hodjapasha is a restored 15th-century Turkish bath that has been converted into a cultural center, providing a historical and atmospheric setting for the Sema ceremony.

The show runs year-round, and the best time to visit is anytime during the year as the performance is not weather-dependent.

Yes, the Whirling Dervishes show is suitable for special occasions. Please contact the venue for special arrangements.

Only bottled water is available during the performance.