Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul (2025 Sema Guide with Tickets Advice)

Istanbul is beautiful city with a lot of history. The Byzantine and Ottoman cultures have influenced the city for centuries. The unique atmosphere and blue waters of Bosphorus, palaces and columns, churches and mosques, fortresses and museums — all this makes an unforgettable impression on the guests of the city.

When traveling, discovering what makes a culture unique is part of the charm. Istanbul, one of the things you must experience is a whirling dervish show. This historical dance dates back centuries and still brings incredible energy even in present-day.

Sufism and Dervishes

Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam, which focuses on love and peace. It is about acceptance of various spiritual paths while forging a mystical bond with the divine. The dancing of the whirling dervishes originated in the 13th century. It started with the followers of Rumi, the Muslim mystic and poet, making the connection with Sufi worship. This dance of continuous twirls, pointing one hand upward to reach the divine while the other points at the ground, is something that practitioners of Sufi perform as a way of becoming closer to God.

What Is a Whirling Dervish Ceremony?

A whirling dervish ceremony, also called Sema, is a focal practice in Islam’s mystical branch. In this ritual, dervishes who spin in a trance-like state, have become known as whirling dervishes. The belief is that this dance brings them closer to God. As the performers spin, they do so in a circular space, all while adorning robes and headgear, swirling to the music while chanting.

The attire is symbolic, with long white robes and conical hats, while the dance is a combination of meditation and prayer. A reed flute, called a ney, is used to play music that serves as the background to the chanting, creating a spiritual atmosphere. Seeing this beautiful ceremony is the highlight of any visit to Istanbul.

Where is the best place to see whirling dervishes in Istanbul?

When visiting Istanbul, getting a slice of the culture by attending a whirling dervish ceremony will give you a greater understanding of this land. There are two places that regularly provide these ceremonies.

Hodjapasha Cultural Center

In the Sirkeci district of Istanbul, which is located near the historical Ottoman bathhouse, there are regular performances of the whirling dervishes featuring the traditional costumes and live music. While it may be geared slightly more to tourists, it is a fantastic and captivating presentation of the ritual. The schedule and availability may vary, so you’ll want to check in advance and plan ahead.

The entrance fee to Whirling dervishea show at Hodjapasha center is 41$.

Galata Mevlevi Museum

The Galata Mevlevi Museum is revered as the most famous whirling dervish hall in Istanbul. It is located near Tünel and the end of Istiklal Caddesi on Galipdede Caddesi. The museum hosts regular Sema ceremonies on Sundays, giving attendees an authentically spiritual experience.

If this is something you wish to see during your visit, it is ideal that you make reservations in advance. The museum is incredibly popular for this experience, and with its limited capacity, having your spots reserved is the only way to ensure you don’t miss out.

Regardless of location, the chance to see the whirling dervishes is an experience you won’t forget from your travels to Istanbul. It may even help you become closer to God.