Sufis are whirling dervishes that aim to find love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. Sufism, often known as the mystical dimension of Islam, was formerly considered in Orientalist research as a spiritual movement that reached its apex (Nirvana) during the medieval period of Islamic history, with the crowning achievement being the magnificent literary works in Arabic and Persian that became the classics of Sufi endeavor.
The Sufi whirling dervishes ceremonies or Sema are accompanied by a distinct musical style called Ayin. This is based on four parts of vocal and instrumental compositions with contrasting rhythmic cycles, which are performed by at least one singer, a flute player (neyzen), a kettledrummer, and a cymbal player.
Within the mevlevihanes, a kind of cloister, performers would receive 1,001 days of secluded training where they studied ethics, standards of conduct and beliefs by practicing prayer, religious music, poetry and dance. They remain as members of the order but return to their occupations and families after this training. Spiritualismis combined with secular life.
The performers begin to spin in quick twists on their left feet, using the right foot to propel their bodies around the left foot. The whirler's body is intended to be supple, with eyes open but unfocused, so that impressions fade and merge.
In 2005, UNESCO declared the Whirling Dervishes Ritual as an INTANGIBLE WORLD HERITAGE in Traditional performing art social practices themes.
Whirling Dervishes Ceremonies are available in Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Istanbul. Hodjapasha Cultural Center, located near the magnificent Topkapi Palace and amazing Hagia Sophia, is a beautiful piece of Istanbul's colorful cultural mosaic. After being a huge 15th-century hamam (Turkish bath) , it has been transformed into an enticing showcase for some of Turkey's most cherished customs.
The Whirling Dervishes Ceremony is available on every Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The performance begins at 19:00 and lasts about 1 hour in total. The Whirling Dervishes Ceremony is priced at 35 Euro per person, including the entrance ticket. There is no pick-up or drop-off service in this ceremony. You need to go there on your own and it will be the best if you are present there around 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Because the performers' focus is crucial, children under the age of 7 are not permitted at this event. It will also be difficult to take photographs during the ceremony; however, they will give you some time afterwards to photograph them.
Please send us an email to get more information and make your booking. We will reply your request the latest in 24 hours.
• 1 hour ceremony
1 hour ceremony ticket
Optional tips
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To confirm this itinerary, please provide us with the details of your hotel in Cappadocia so that we may arrange a pick-up/drop-off service. All hotels in Cappadocia qualify for complimentary pick-up/drop-off services.
Below is the general guideline for our cancellation policy if your agent does not mention otherwise:
Cancellation Policy for Whirling Dervishes Ceremony:
If you cancel 48 hours before the balloon flight, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 48 hours to 24 hours before the ride, we will charge 50% cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 24 hours of the flight , we will charge the full amount as cancellation fee.
We cannot give any refund on no-shows for the flights.