
Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 145 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema worth booking?
Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema is a 0.8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $23 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 145 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (145)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $23 per person
Seeing whirling dervishes is a way of altering your normal state of consciousness to give it a tour of the magical world. Watching dancers occupied by a state of hyper consciousness and maintaining an outstanding balance is a magnificent scene. Attending the Whirling Dervishes and Mevlevi ceremony is undoubtedly something you should never miss if you are in the area.
What you get
About this experience
Seeing whirling dervishes is a way of altering your normal state of consciousness to give it a tour of the magical world. Watching dancers occupied by a state of hyper consciousness and maintaining an outstanding balance is a magnificent scene. Attending the Whirling Dervishes and Mevlevi ceremony is undoubtedly something you should never miss if you are in the area.
What's included
Included
- Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Not included
- Pick up and drop off
What you'll see and do
The Mevlevi Sema ceremony is a Sufi ceremony that symbolizes the degrees of the path to Allah, contains religious elements and themes, and has detailed rules and qualities in this form. Mevlevi was the son of Mavlana Jalaluddin Rumi. It was performed in a disciplined manner starting from the time of Sultan Veled and Ulu Arif Celebi. These rules were developed until the time of Pir Adil Celebi and have taken their final form to the present day.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Istanbul E-pass
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






Traveler reviews
145 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very, Very Cool
We didn't know what to expect, but I knew I always wanted to see this. The venue is an old madrasa and sits only a handful of visitors. It's nestled in the crazy restaurant labyrinth in the old town. The show opens with three musicians playing and singing amazing traditional songs of devotion. Then the spinning begins. It's something that I'm happy we did because I've only experienced this on television before. Being there and hearing the quality of the playing and performance was a lovely memory.
via Tripadvisor
Cultural Emmersive
Educational and interesting. However, it was very long and not much dialog on what was happening. Nonetheless, cultural!
via Viator
Wow!
What a unique experience. Music and performance was spectacular. Location is in the heart of it all.
via Viator
Not for everyone
Not something I would recommend... Starts with 35 min of music then 15-20 min of whirling dervishes then done. The whirling was cool I guess but it would also be just fine as a street performance you walk by
via Viator
Must watch
You can’t go Istanbul without adding the dervishes show to your to-do list. Very amazing and relaxing show. One hour of enjoyment for the music and the whirling dervishes. What a great combination. I highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 51
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Istanbul E-pass, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Istanbul E-pass runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema cost?
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Prices start at $23 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 145 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema?
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Around 51 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema?
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Included: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony. Not included: Pick up and drop off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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