Step into the world of Sufi mysticism and witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremony, an ancient ritual of whirling dervishes seeking divine love.
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The Essence Of Dervish Tradition
The Mevlevi Order, founded by the followers of Rumi, embodies a path of spiritual enlightenment through love and devotion. Dervishes dedicate their lives to humility, prayer, and self-discipline, embracing the Sufi philosophy that the ego must dissolve to attain divine unity.
The Sema ceremony is an expression of this philosophy—a meditative dance that symbolizes the soul’s ascent toward perfection. Every movement holds deep meaning: the slow, deliberate turn represents the journey of human consciousness, while the flowing robes and outstretched arms signify surrender to the divine.
This ancient ritual, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, continues to captivate audiences with its profound spiritual depth and hypnotic grace.
The Whirling Dervishes Show In Sirkeci
📍 Location: Sirkeci, Istanbul
🕖 Time: 19:00
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes
- Winter Schedule (December – February): Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Spring to Autumn Schedule (March – November): Every weekday

Experience Includes
- Introduction video (5 minutes)
- Sufi music concert (10 minutes)
- Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (45 minutes)
- Exhibition of dervish-related artifacts, hyperrealistic statues, Rumi’s poetry, and historical displays

Important Notes
- 📸 Photography is not allowed
- 🚪 Latecomers: Entry is permitted only within the first 10 minutes. No-shows after 15 minutes will not be refunded.
- ♿ Accessibility: Unfortunately, the venue is not wheelchair-friendly.


Experience More With The Other Tour
Istanbul is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern life. At The Other Tour, we take you beyond the usual sights to experience the city in its most authentic form.
- Daily City Tours: Discover Istanbul’s hidden gems, vibrant markets, and local culture with an immersive day-long experience.
- Rhythm of the Dance Show: Experience the energy and passion of Turkey’s dance heritage in a spectacular live performance.
- Private Guide Services: Get a tailor-made journey through the city with an expert local guide.
- Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transportation from the airport to your destination in comfort and style.
- Istanbul Transit Tours: Make the most of your layover with a specially curated short tour of Istanbul.
Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, let us show you an Istanbul you’ve never seen before.
📩 Contact us to plan your unforgettable Istanbul experience.
Saw a dervish show once, but this one looks way more legit. That atmosphere seems almost hypnotic!