Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Skip it. The music was not good and loud. I have seen the Dervishes before and it felt deep and connected, this group did not.

it is a genuine, meditative Sufi prayer ritual that completely transports you. ​ Every single gesture is packed with deep symbolism and centuries of authentic heritage. ​The atmosphere felt profoundly moving, spiritual, and calm.

It must be remembered that this is not a concert, but more a religious display. I found it mesmerising!

This is a ceremony, not a show, so no photography allowed and no applause giving either. That said, it was a strangely and uniquely hypnotic experience. It really didn't matter if it was our cup of tea or not, as the overriding opinion is one of an utterly unique experience watching whirling dervishes who have unbelievable skill, stamina and control

This is an amazing show. It was truly an experience to get to the theater and back to the port as we were caught in the once in 100 year rain storm. We were soaked by the time we arrived but the show is still well worth it. I would definitely recommend going to this show.

Interesting learning about the religious aspects It was to slow The music was beautiful Easy to find. Located in an old building

Beautiful ritual, perfect setting and good intro in the exhibition.

If you want to understand that what the mystical Sufi dervishes are truly doing, go to this! It's not dancing, it's a remembrance & prayer, reaching for a higher being. And it can only be explained by attending the show.

Educational religious experience which allows you to share others belief system. Excellent performance

A wonderful experience into the mysticism of the rituals of the Whirling Dervish. Before the show there are various exhibits as to the history and nature of this practice. The staging is perfect as it consists of two seating areas in circles overlooking the circular stage. Thus there is not a bad seat nor obstructed views. The musicians and singers are in an elevated area and the performers arrive as the dance then proceeds. There are projections made unto the walls explaining what you are witnessing.

The Whirling Dervishes is a religious ritual. It is a good idea to arrive about a half an hour early to walk through the display. It will give you more context when watching the performance.

A beautiful and deeply spiritual experience. Remember, the Whirling Dervishes ceremony is a religious ritual rather than an entertainment show, so applause is discouraged. Don’t expect belly dancing or a typical cultural performance. I loved the traditional music, peaceful atmosphere, and sense of connection the ceremony created. It felt meditative and almost soul-searching. As a solo traveller, it fitted my Istanbul trip perfectly. Highly recommended if you appreciate culture, spirituality, and a moment of quiet reflection.

Show was as described and well presented.

Great experience! Definitely tourist friendly. Translation was helpful. Music and performance were lovely.

Brilliant experience in a perfect setting

I was really looking forward to this experience, but it was underwhelming. The atmosphere didn’t feel special or spiritual, rather cold!

Five men engaging in a twirling demonstration for one hour. Mystical? Yes. But only because we hadn’t a clue about the significance of what we were watching, other than that somehow the twirling was getting the twirling men closer to perfection.

More of a spiritual experience than what you would think of as traditionally “entertaining”. Fascinating to see but not for kids as much since it was watching the dancers do the same dance the entire time. Not a bad thing just know it’s a show that will make you feel spiritual vs flashy Broadway type of show. Would recommend.

Definitely need to get to the venue early and read up on the ceremony before it starts. There is very little information given prior to the ceremony or during the ceremony. This not a specular ceremony since its mostly about praying and trying to connect with Allah

Quiet, meaningful ceremony. Don’t expect dancing, fire shies, or the like- it is a spiritual ritual, accompanied by Luce music and chanting.

This is a religious ceremony that is hundreds of years old so don't expect light entertainment. The Musicians and Dervishes performing the ceremony are high skilled in performing this ritual which took an hour to complete. Reading the information at the cultural centre was worth doing as it explained the background of the Dervishes and the meaning of the ritual. No photos or videos were allowed during the performance.

A mystical spiritual experience. Intriguing. Beautiful meditative music. A series of panels provides introduction to Rumi and Sufism. Would go again if I had the chance.

This is one of the life experiences that words can not describe it. It was mystical, sublime , and beautiful

This was a very moving and spiritual experience. The Whirling Dervishes exceeded all expectations. The entire process was well explained on an independent screen above the dancers and musicians. The exhibition in the foyer is well worth taking the time to study before the performance. Excellent value for money and strongly recommend. Our guide, Omer Faruk went out of his way to ensure we knew exactly where to go for the show and went to great lengths to organise transport to and from the venue.

This is a solemn and reverent observation of a ceremony. It is NOT a show. While poignant, educational, and a uniquely Turkish experience, it is not necessarily entertaining as the "whirling" makes it seem in the marketing.

Went to 5 pm show and had front row seats. Very interesting background portrayed in the lobby so arrive early to learn about Sufism and the dervish ceremony. It is a religious performance so no photos allowed and quiet is requested. Enjoyed the show but did find it a bit repetitive after a while. However that may be why it is considered mystical and otherworldly.

Very Solemn and Authentic.. please note this is not a "show".. it is considered a ceremony and they even tell you that clapping is not allowed it is a creation of the religious ceremony performed by the darvish

Great show. A must see. Note: The spot shown on Google maps is not where it is located. It's actually a couple of streets away from the small mosque that Google sends you to go. Just ask the locals where it is, if needed.

The experience in general was just ok the venue was nice they have props for pictures and to buy a few items

No Belly Dancers, 🤔 I guess I didn’t know there are 2 shows to choose between

I didn't know what to expect. But the show felt half baked and commercialized. The venue is pretty nice. It's a 10-15 mins walk from the blue mosque/hagia sofia zone.

Very unique! The venue itself is nicely curated and thought out. It does not at all feel like a gimmicky tourist trap. Its a meaningful true production. Seating doesn't need to be so cramped and there is no intermission so definitely stretch and use the facilities before but totally worth it!

Beautiful and mystical. I am curious about Sufism and Remi. We learned so much beauty from the whirling dervishes and the gorgeous music that accompanies their dance.

Staff very helpful, I booked wrong date and they let me in. Have to admit i did feel sleepy at certain point, but it’s a must see. Once they start spinning it’s impressive.

We went to the Istanbul Dervish “whirling” show last night. It was well organized with good lighting and a solid sound system, so production-wise it was done well. But the ceremony itself isn’t authentic, and it can get boring, especially for younger people. It’s fine if you’re curious like we were and just want to see it once, but don’t expect anything too exciting.

Interesting experience. Even though not real, it gives you a good idea what it looks like in real life.

Fascinating. Don't miss visiting the exhibits before the show. Taxis stop on the main street not the little alley of the venue.

Very interesting experience. Our first time to see this. It apears to be a form of spiritual practice / meditation so also cross-cultural. Very small venue, maybe 75 people, and has live traditional music.

A wonderful and unique spiritual experience. I have studied Sufi's and their teaching so this was a once in a life time experience.

The musicians and the whirling dervishes were beautiful and mystical. I found the whole experience very uplifting and satisfying.

Story telling without any explanation does not get absolute no understanding from audiences, it was like we are playing my language so you must understand my language as a god words. It was Absolutely boring!!!

This show, for me, was grounding and humbling, captivating and unique. It was a religious ceremony that didn't allow photography or applause. I think this made it more thought-provoking. Prior to the show in the foyer area, you can read about the ceremony and its origin. This information was very insightful. The venue was comfortable. Seat numbers were assigned prior to the show. The whole experience was organized. I highly recommend it. The venue area is in a great area full of restaurants and cafés.

Very spiritual and unique experience. We have seen it the second time now, after 17 years, but it is still as beautiful and surprising as the first time.

Really great cultural ceremony- read up on the dervish before you go to enhance the experience. Would recommend seeing, location is easy to find, price is reasonable, but low lighting for photography so my pictures are not the best as no flash is permitted.

It was so-so. The dancing/whirling didn't start until it was half over. A mysticism of Islam and how it progressed in understanding God's ways. Interesting, but only somewhat.

Trustworthy and efficient with self directed features and customer support . Thank you, I will use it again.

We had been looking forward to experience the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony and were not disappointed! We could book our tickets online easily. The entire show lasted for an hour. We reached the venue a little early as mentioned on their website when booking our tickets. We walked around looking at the exhibits on display and purchased a few souvenirs on the first floor while we waited for entry into the small arena marked out for the solemn ceremony. Photography is prohibited during the ceremony as is clapping or any appreciation. It was a solemn experience… to be experienced!

Good place to go if one needs to check off the box. Clean. Well organized. Informative display in the gallery.

That was amazing! It’s not a show-show but rather a ritual just in the presence of public. Educational and really beautiful.