Step into the spiritual heart of Istanbul and experience a genuine Whirling Dervish ceremony performed by local Sufi practitioners in a historic wooden hall just steps from Hagia Sophia.
This sacred ritual, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is not a stage show but a true act of devotion. The ceremony follows the original Mevlevi tradition, accompanied by live music composed between the 15th and early 19th centuries using classical Sufi instruments such as the ney flute, drums, and strings.
Before the ritual begins, a professional host explains the symbolism behind each movement, garment, and musical phase, helping you understand the deeper meaning of the ceremony. A multilingual digital guide in 7 languages is also included, allowing you to follow the experience at your own pace.
As the music builds, the dervishes enter in silence and begin their meditative rotation, symbolizing spiritual ascent and universal harmony. The atmosphere is calm, immersive, and deeply moving, offering a rare glimpse into a living spiritual tradition that has remained unchanged for centuries.
At the end of the ceremony, enjoy a traditional local tea or sherbet, completing this cultural and spiritual journey in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City.
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