Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Istanbul at the Hodjapasha Centre

Watching the sema, the most striking ritual of the Mevlevi tradition, is one of the most memorable experiences in Istanbul. This whirling dervishes ceremony in Istanbul takes place at the Hodjapasha Cultural Centre, set in a historic bathhouse, where you spend an hour discovering the world of the dervishes.

The museum

Your visit begins with a small museum introducing the dervishes' traditional ceremonies, clothing, musical instruments and tools. Here you learn the meaning and symbolism of the sema, and the guide booklet you receive helps you explore further.

Rumi and his poetry

The experience also introduces the famous mystic Rumi, regarded as the inspiration of the Mevlevi order, and some of his best-loved poems. This short introduction helps you understand the spiritual background of the ceremony you are about to see.

The sema ceremony

Your visit ends with the sema, a ritual with an important place in Turkish culture. The slow, harmonious turning of the dervishes to the sound of the ney flute and drums fills the hall with a quiet, profound atmosphere. It is performed as a spiritual ritual rather than a show, so you are asked to watch in silence.

Good to know

The minimum age to take part is seven. The venue is not wheelchair accessible, but it is close to public transport, a short walk from Sirkeci tram stop. Food and hotel pickup are not included. Arrive a few minutes early so you do not miss the start of the ceremony.

To round off your trip, browse more experiences on our Istanbul tours page, and find somewhere to stay among our hotels in Istanbul.