Whirling Dervishes Live Show - Sema Ceremony in Istanbul

Whirling Dervishes Show & Sema Ceremony, which has been going on for centuries, is one of the most important values of Turkish culture. Sema is a spiritual journey that represents filling one's soul with divine love. Whirling Dervishes Ceremony is known as the most mystical dance in the world, inspired by Rumi. (Mevlana).

The Mevlevi culture that emerged in the 13th century is an important value for the Turkish history. Thanks to the Sema Ceremonies, this culture has survived until today. Sema rituals must be performed most accurately to keep the Mevlevi culture alive and transfer it to future generations. You can watch the most perfect and original of this Whirling Dervishes Show & Sema Ceremony at Hodjapasha Cultural Center. 

Located inside the building with a 540-year history, this show center is one of the most impressive and most visited venues in Istanbul. With its advantageous location and magnificent design, it is always the focus of attention of domestic and foreign tourists. Hodjapasha Cultural Center, which is accepted as one of the places that reflects Turkish culture the best with its exhibitions and unique shows, was built in 1470 by Hoca Sinan Pasha, the vizier of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. 

Whirling Dervishes Show & Sema Ceremony is held every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 19:00 at Hodjapasha Cultural Center. This building, which served as a bath in the 15th century, now hosts this unique Sema show. There is no doubt that it will be very good for your soul to watch such an impressive show in this authentic venue. 

This ceremony, which represents the ways to reach divine love, was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 and proved to the whole world that it is definitely worth watching. 

As soon as you step into this historical place, you will find yourself in the middle of a mystical ambiance. Experiencing this atmosphere and Whirling Dervishes Show & Sema Ceremony will make your Istanbul trip unforgettable. 

1. Whirling Dervishes Show is a religious ceremony, even though it looks like a dance show. We kindly ask you not to talk, not to get up from your seat, and not to take flash photos while the dervishes are on stage.
2. Whirling Dervishes Show attracts great attention, so we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance.
3. This show is a spiritual ceremony, so please do not clap while watching. If you wish, you can clap the dervishes after they leave the stage.