4.2 13 reviews

Whirling Dervishes Live Show

Witness the transcendental pray of dervishes in this historic house in Istanbul

Duration: 1h
Max group size: 20

Registered address: Tersane 127/9, 34421, Istanbul, TR

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What's included

Admission to the whirling dervishes ceremony

Meeting point

Alemdar, Turquoise Istanbul Event Hall, Alemdar Caddesi, Fatih/İstanbul, 34110, Istanbul

You name will be on the list at the desk when you arrive
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Description

This special ceremony in a unique environment reveals the spiritual character of Istanbul and Turkish people outside of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

A poetic experience, Sufi whirling brings dervishes closer to God as they spin in repetitive circles. The original name Sema has two meanings – the skies and hearing. The dervishes are raising their hands while whirling to feel the universe, its creation and motion. This is the way to reach maturity as a human being in an ecstatic moment full of love.

The historic venue sets the stage as the whirling dervishes come forward to lift the curtain between the body and soul, their dress lifting hypnotically serving as a meaningful metaphor.

Although it was never seen as the mainstream, the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order has been a significant part of history in the city. The literate and cultured ranks of society admired the approach in Sufi way of living, with some sultans favouring the Mevlevi Order and their rituals.