Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Istanbul
Highlights
- ✓Take part in a mystical journey to a historic house that reflects the life of dervishes in Istanbul
- ✓Feel the spiritual Istanbul as you witness the ritual of Sufi dervishes in the heart of the old city
- ✓Learn about the Mevlevi Order, a centuries-old tradition of the followers of Rumi, the medieval poet of Konya
- ✓Witness the transcendental pray of dervishes in this historic house in Istanbul
Overview
This special ceremony in a unique environment reveals the spiritual character of Istanbul and Turkish people outside of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. A poetic experience, Sufi whirling brings dervishes closer to God as they spin in repetitive circles. The original name _Sema_ has two meanings – the skies and hearing. The dervishes are raising their hands while whirling to feel the universe, its creation and motion. This is the way to reach maturity as a human being in an ecstatic moment full of love. The historic venue sets the stage as the whirling dervishes come forward to lift the curtain between the body and soul, their dress lifting hypnotically serving as a meaningful metaphor.
Route
The interactive map couldn’t be loaded.
View the route on Google MapsItinerary
This special ceremony in a unique environment reveals the spiritual character of Istanbul and Turkish people outside of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. A poetic experience, Sufi whirling brings dervishes closer to God as they spin in repetitive circles. The original name _Sema_ has two meanings – the skies and hearing. The dervishes are raising their hands while whirling to feel the universe, its creation and motion. This is the way to reach maturity as a human being in an ecstatic moment full of love. The historic venue sets the stage as the whirling dervishes come forward to lift the curtain between the body and soul, their dress lifting hypnotically serving as a meaningful metaphor.
What's included
- ✓Other included
- ✓Hygiene protocol
Not included
- ✕Accommodation
- ✕Flights
- ✕Guide
- ✕Meals
- ✕Insurance
- ✕Transport
- ✕Additional Services
- ✕Other not included
Need help or have a question about this tour?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
We're ready to help.
Availability
Now, just deposit 25% of the total
Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before departure.
No scheduled departures for the selected month — try another month or send an enquiry.
Online availability isn't published for this tour. Please send us an enquiry and we'll help you book.
Upcoming departures
-
Starts→EndsTotal
What our travelers say
Real, verified reviews from travelers who explored Turkey with us — straight from Tripadvisor.
“We had an incredible experience on the 14-day ANZAC Gallipoli and Türkiye tour. The real highlight was our guide, Mert — outstanding from start to finish.”
“The Travelshop team made our trip to Istanbul truly unforgettable. Everyone was extremely professional, from the first message to the last day.”
“Our recent tour of Türkiye was an unforgettable experience, made truly exceptional by our highly knowledgeable and personable guide, Ash.”
“Mrs. Derya Buyukgol stepped up with extraordinary commitment and professionalism, securing full refunds across all our services. Truly grateful.”
Reviews are sourced from our verified Tripadvisor profile.
Similar Tours & Activities
Hand-picked trips in the same category — more unforgettable ways to explore.