Planning your visit? Our Whirling Dervishes tickets guide covers hours, rules and every ticket option.
Free cancellation available — get a full refund if you cancel.
Walk past the ticket queues and show your mobile QR code at the entrance.
2 hours
Book online in seconds and receive your QR ticket instantly. Show it on your phone at the entrance and walk straight in without stopping at the counter — no printing, no hassle. Just take your seat and relax before the performance begins.
Witness the Mevlevi ceremony with its graceful turns, flowing robes and live Sufi music. The rhythm and movement create a calm, meditative atmosphere that feels both intimate and powerful — a wonderful way to meet the spiritual side of Turkish culture.
The show takes place at Hodjapasha, a historic bathhouse converted into a performance hall near Sultanahmet. The atmosphere is warm and atmospheric, with good sightlines and soft lighting that draws all attention to the stage. Every seat offers a clear view of the ceremony.
Please remain quiet during the performance and avoid flash photography. Phones should be set to silent so everyone can enjoy the music and the ritual. After the show, take a moment to look around the hall and capture a few photos of the space as a special memento.
Whirling Dervishes Show
Open in Google MapsHoca Paşa Mahallesi Ankara Caddesi, Hoca Paşa, Hocapaşa Hamamı Sk. No:3 D:B, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
The show takes place at Hocapaşa Culture Center. Please make sure to arrive at the venue before the show starts and check the location in advance to avoid any delays.2
One-time entrance to the Whirling Dervishes Show is included.
You will not receive a confirmation e-mail for your reservation; it is confirmed by the venue.
Last-minute reservations are possible subject to availability, but we strongly recommend booking at least one day ahead to secure your seat and avoid inconvenience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
As the ceremony requires complete silence, the venue does not admit children under 7 to the show.
The theatre is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Photography is not allowed during the ceremony.
Late guests may enter during the first 10 minutes of the sema ceremony to preserve a quiet environment for all. Guests arriving more than 15 minutes late are considered a no-show, and the ticket cannot be refunded.
Flexible Cancellation: Plans can change, no worries. You can change or cancel within the refundable time period.
Visit the istanbul.com Help Centre for any further questions.
Product code: WDST78
Based on 334 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It is an authentic Mevlevi sema ceremony with live Sufi music and the whirling ritual of the dervishes. The experience is spiritual rather than a dance show, presented in the atmospheric Hodjapasha venue near the old town.
Hodjapasha is in Sirkeci, a few minutes on foot from the Spice Bazaar and Galata Bridge. Take the tram to Sirkeci or Eminönü, or a short taxi ride from Sultanahmet or Taksim.
Book online and receive a QR ticket instantly. Show the QR code on your phone at the entrance and take your seat without stopping at the counter. Doors usually open before the start, so arrive a little early to settle in.
The programme lasts about one hour. It is calm and meditative, suitable for respectful audiences — including families with children who can sit quietly (note: the venue does not admit children under 7).
Photography is restricted to protect the atmosphere of the ceremony. Flash is not allowed and video is often limited; follow the staff instructions and take photos before or after the programme where permitted.
Smart-casual dress is fine. Set your phone to silent, avoid talking during the ceremony, and applaud only at the end when the staff invites it — this lets everyone enjoy the spiritual focus of the sema.
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