Whirling Dervish Ceremony: Go On A Spiritual Journey

Zey was a fabulous tour guide.very friendly,knowledgeable and provided plenty of insight into traditional turkish street food and deserts. The food at the 3 generation family owned restaurant was fantastic eith such generous potions that we could not finish it all.zey ensured that each dish was explained as to ingredients and its origin and place in turkish culture. The whirling dervish performance was an unusual but rewarding experience. Its not what we expected. But we embraced the ambiance and allowed the sereneness of the dedicated and skillfull performers to enrich us. Overall a wonderful night Highly recommended. Try get Zey as your guide

Amazing ceremony!!!!!! The opening explanation was extremely informative. One of my favorite experiences in Istanbul.

This Whirling Dervish Ceremony was the most incredible performance I have ever seen, as stated you definitely go on a spiritual journey, you aren’t allowed to film or take photos but you quickly understand why that is the case. Would definitely recommend this

Was amazing! Really a good energy, feel good experience -informative about history and the spirituality of sufism.

Expensive for a 60 min performance. Interesting at first, but just constant whirling was boring. I would not recomnend unless you are really into this sort of thing.

We went to a ceremony of "whirling dervishes." This is an art that has been practiced since the 13th century. The Muslim ceremony is called the dhikr, the purpose of which is to glorify God and seek spiritual perfection. They spun for an hour straight. How they do it without passing out or falling over is a mystery to me. It is wise to spend time before in the vestibule reading the descriptions of this ceremony. It is not a "show" and it helps to get an understanding of what is unfolding before you during the hour long ceremony.

You’ll either love this or hate it! Five dervishes swirling for about 45min with some music and singing at the start. Personally, I was mesmerised by this; it’s more a religious expression than an entertainment show. Not sure how they twirl so fast for so long and then are able to stand straight. Be ready- that’s all there is with some explanatory notes projected on the walls as you go.

Added so much historical and cultural value to our trip to witness this ancient ritual. The memory will stay with you.

If you want to escape the hussle and bustle of the city for an hour, and have a ringside seat to a spiritual ceremony, then this is the place to go. It's not for everyone, but it we found it very relaxing and intriguing.

Boring . Hard to find . Got lost for 30 minutes. Guide did not provide a clear address as there are a few whirling Dervish places .

Very interesting and learning experience. Meditative . Cultural . Must see . Well organised . Site easy to reach .

It was a great spiritual experience. Much of this ancient sumi tradition is unknown to most. A must for anyone visiting Istanbul

Grateful to have witnessed this mesmerizing ceremony based in the Sufi tradition. Keep in mind it’s not a show to entertain in the traditional sense, and photos and clapping are not appropriate. The museum at the cultural center gives an overview of the development and significance of the ceremony.

This show needs to more entertainment for the paid towards it. It is a very dull show. I see so many audience dozing off during the show.

Excellent performance in a converted 500-year-old Hammam building. Very evocative atmosphere, six-piece traditional orchestra and 5 dervishes performing. Loved the overall experience and introduction to Sufi culture.

It was a very meaningful ceremony and an intimate setting with a good view of the ceremony from every seat. The music was enchanting and the information boards outside of the ceremony room are informative.

It was good, informative. However photography was not allowed. This was disappointing a bit. Photography should have been allowed or this restriction should have been mentioned in the booking.

A beautiful spiritual experience - they were very entrancing. Seating is assigned. If you buy from the center directly you can get a discount on combination tickets to watch their other show (many different regional dances).

It was interesting to see how they mastered the spinning and to witness the ritual. But after a while it feels a little repetitive. So, was it something to see? Yes. But if you asked me if I would go and see it again? No.

A wonderful spiritual experience, sit peacefully, use the time to truly introspect while you see the hypnotic movements of the Sufis

The ceremony was captivating and enjoyable. If you're expecting a fast paced dance show, this may not be for you. Like the description say it's a spiritual ceremony. I wish they had provided an introduction to what we were about to experience before the shot and that would've made it more enjoyable. The theater is located in a cool and very old building in the middle of the Sirkeci neighborhood and it's a little difficult to locate. There are plenty of restaurants around the theater if you want to have dinner afterwards. Eventhough the description of the show mentions being able to purchase drinks at the bar, there was no bar and only bottles of water were available. Overall, it was a very good experience.

A wonderful and very touching experience! I felt the love and the oneness with all un attendance, especially with the monks. One of the special memories in Istanbul!

Interesting ceremony , full of emotion and peace, it reflects the connection and interaction among humans and God.

I was a little bit hesitant at first reading other reviews and some people reporting they felt it was staged and fake. I however am so happy I did not listen to those reviews. The whole event was very organized, the rituals were well explained, and overall it was a very spiritual experience. I enjoy reading Rumi and this was an extremely meaningful experience for me.

We were a group of four adults and the reviews were mixed. I guess the explanation of the ceremony was not fully understood by everyone including myself. I have watched Dervish performances in other countries and venues but this is not a performance but rather a ceremony between the Dervishes themselves. There is no audience participation, no photos etc. The audience is required to remain silent throughout and the ceremony was at times monotonous and tedious. I found it interesting albeit not very enjoyable.

Mixed feelings ! Spiritual and mesmerizing on one hand but it felt too little for a show . Am i happy i saw it ? Yes ! Would i go back? No

The story I could understand but it was just men whipping around very uninteresting Couldn’t see the musicians well No applauding I understand now why

Reserved the ticket through viator and was assigned the front and centre tickets for the show. The show started a bit later than planned, the organisers could have let in people a bit more earlier to resolve this. Rules are clearly explained and also information about the dance is projected onto the walls which helped me a lot. The ticket brought through viator was much more expensive than the face value of the ticket at the show, but this let me come in late as possible while getting the best seats. A different experience of a past culture which helped me understand Sufism much more.

Boring Did the same thing for whole one hour… Fell asleep…. Music was nice but not the stage performance….

Nice show very spiritual. Lovely Koranic recitation. The spinning dervish is mesmerising. The training required to move like that and not get dizzy is impressive. Probably not the best show for younger children.

The story behind it was interesting but I found 1 hour to be very slow moving and repetitive. The performers are obviously talented but I am not sure it is appropriate as a one hour show.

Viator did not close the loop on the tickets we ordered - had difficult 20 minute experience with event staff as they could not confirm the reservation we made with viator

The Sema Ceremony is a spiritual journey of Dervishes whirling for Devine love. The Hodjapasha cultural center was transformed from a large 15 th century Turkish Bath. The music is mesmerizing and haunting and the dances are almost hypnotic . Love the performance but was disappointed it was short and the dances were not more varied . But all in all we were so glad we visited and took a part in a beautiful performance .

Otherworldly, interesting, and not too long. Anyone with an interest in spirituality would like it. Kids too.

Beautiful ceremony. It was nice to learn about the Whirling Dervish culture. Well worth taking the time to see.

Wow! an enlightening experience and one I will never forget. Other-worldly and spiritual. Its like a meditation, go with an open mind and prepare to witness something beyond your daily life

The music was just as impressive as the whirlers. I enjoyed every moment of the show. I felt like I was walking through history!

Boring to Death. repetitive show for a the same movement for a whole one hour. I do not recommend at all

It might be interesting to Muslims as part of their religion. For all others a big disappointment and boring.

i have seen a mevlani sema 3 times, and while this is much more 'touristy' it still has the surreal, spiritual essence of the ceremony. now there are exhibits and information about the dervish order in the entrance room, free drinks and a small gift shop in the old bath house at hodjipasha, and in the streets round about there are lots of restaurants and cafes, and even the odd bar if you want refreshment before or after. the ceremony itself goes on for an hour, you can come in or leave while just the musicians are playing, but once the whirling starts you cant enter as it will be so distracting to the dervishes in such a small space. you are not allowed to take photos, nor must you clap, so this is not your average tourist snapfest. it is quite a serious affair, and im not sure what some members of the audience expected, but 3 people walked out, and several more were just sitting looking at their phones, sleeping or just so obviously bored. i find it beautiful, entrancing and i love ritual, but if you find the thought of 5 men spinning in a circle in a trance, making amazing patterns and following the eternal dull as ditch water, or you are only interested in taking selfies, i suggest you dont waste your money. but if you, like me, love religious buildings, rituals and different cultures (whether you are religious yourself. im an athiest, but that does not stop me from spirituality inside), then you must see this. it is wonderful, and worth every penny! dont miss it.

Great to witness this 800 year old, holy ceremony, held alive and revered in the Sufi order of Islam. A sacred experience!

Unique experience, No applause or cheers allowed. Kids below 6 years old are not allowed as per their website, reason being that the atmosphere inside is very very quiet and they don't want to disturb the people performing. It lasts one hour.

This is a religious Sufi Dervish( Mevlevi order) ceremony The explanation in the small adjoining museum & the booklet provided was very informative A fascinating hour learning about an ancient & peace loving religion

We went to an authentic dervish ceremony so everything was explained .It is a religious ceremony so no photos or clapping.It was fascinating and I learnt a lot about it.

Изключително потапяне в едно неземно измерение. Просто божествено. Препоръчвам го горещо. Когато се чудих, дали да отида и да го видя прочетох коментарите на няколко американски туристи. Те НЕ го бяха харесали. Казах си, че щом американските т уристи НЕ го харесват - значи е много добро. Оказах се прав! Extremely immersive in a non-terrestrial dimension. Just divine. I highly recommend it. When I was wondering whether to go and see it, I read the comments of several American tourists. They didn’t seem to liked it. I told myself that if American tourists do not like it, then it is very good. I was right!

Just amazing experience. I read many negative comments and hesitated to attend but then my friends decided to go and I joined. I only regretted that I hesitated to attend! It was really very rich and wonderful, well spent hour. I read many reviews which said it was boring and people were sleeping or staring at their mobiles. I had a look around couple of times to check that and I did not find any sleeping or obviously bored person! all were very attentive and looked very interested in the show. Do not miss it, and also the few items sold before the show starts are very nice.. try to check them out.

The cultural center where the show is held is located in a unique area of Istanbul. People who are going to this show if they can allow some time to walk around before attendind this wonderful performance it will be their worthwhile. The show is spiritual and reflective of philosophy of Rumi. I went there with my husband, my mother and two other relatives. I would say we all enjoyed it.

The Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Istanbul, an interesting religious expression by changing material to spiritual stages. The show started on time, free tea or water offered before. We could not take pictures during the ceremony. But we did take pictures of the scenery and lobby before and after the show.

Google map guided us to this place but we were a little late and were not able to get in. We bought advance tickets for the next show at 8:30 pm and came back later with much enthusiasm. The first part of the performance is the chanting of religious verses and this made us serene, peaceful and sleepy for some. The second part when the dancers started swirling to the music we started to get hypnotized by the constant twirling. They announced before the show that clapping, photography and videography is not allowed but still some rude tourist took to flash photography. If you come for entertainment then this show is not for you. This show is just a one hour religious ritual performed by an all male group to make money from tourists.