Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets with Turkish Dinner
+5
About this tour
This ticket gets you into an evening Sema ceremony, the traditional whirling ritual of the Mevlevi Sufi order, held in a historic hall in Istanbul. The roughly hour-long program opens with a short introduction to the order, followed by live Sufi music, then the whirling itself. Depending on the option you choose, your ticket also covers a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, an audio guide in ten languages, and a traditional drink such as tea or sherbet with water. Seats are limited, so booking ahead is the safe bet.
Highlights
- Watch the Sema ceremony, a ritual of music, prayer, and slow whirling
- See a centuries-old Sufi tradition kept alive through disciplined movement
- Hear live ceremonial music as the dervishes turn in a meditative rhythm
- Attend inside a historic hall that suits the mood of the ritual
- Learn what the robes, gestures, and stages of the ceremony stand for
Included / Excluded
- Whirling Dervishes show in the Sultanahmet or Hagia Sophia area, per the option you choose
- Mevlevi Sema ceremony
- 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, per the option you choose
- Audio guide in 10 languages, per the option you choose
- Traditional drink (tea or sherbet) and water, per the option you choose
Timing, Format, and What to Wear
Performances run in the evening, and most start around 19:00 daily. Start times can shift by date depending on the venue and organizer, so confirm your slot when you book. The program lasts about an hour and moves through three parts: a roughly 5-minute introduction to the Mevlevi order, about 10 minutes of Sufi music, and then the Sema whirling ritual itself, which takes about 45 minutes.
There is no strict dress code, but modest clothing is appreciated in keeping with the tone of the ritual. Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are a good choice and help keep the atmosphere respectful.
Available Days / Times
- Monday : 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
- Tuesday : 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
- Wednesday : 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
- Thursday : 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
- Friday : 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
- Saturday : 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
- Sunday : 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
Important Information
- Book online ahead of time; evening ceremonies sell out often
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in and seating
- Latecomers may not be admitted once the ritual has started
- Check your exact venue address, as different halls host the show
- Photography and video are usually restricted during the ceremony
- The ceremony is quiet and long, which is hard for very young children
- Stay quiet and respectful the whole way through
- Silence your phone and put screens away once the ritual begins
- Follow all staff instructions about photos or filming
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered
- Applause is discouraged; let the ceremony end in silence