I came here with a tour group through Viator and this show was incredible. I have always had a fascination with the poet Rumí and Sufism and the culture. To be able to see this meditative practice done live was such an honor. While it is a show, it is an actual ceremony and the participants take it seriously. No photos or videos or talking is allowed (can you imagine how distracting that would be if we could). You need advance tickets, check in at the front and then walk up a flight of stars where you can read about the practice and see some artifacts on display. It is assigned seating once the doors open. The dervishes spin as a symbol of the cosmic dance of creation and the planets orbiting the sun. The hat symbolizes the death of the ego and the right hand is held up to God for receiving wisdom and the left hand is held down to share that wisdom with the rest of humanity. read more

Hodjapasha - Performing Arts Near Me - Istanbul, 34

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I really hate to say that I probably wouldn't recommend this hour long show to a friend because while I actually enjoyed learning about and seeing the Whirling Dervishes, the overall consensus of our group (4 adults, 3 kids ages 13-15) was that it was just too long. We all understand and appreciate that it is a ceremony and that walking in late or leaving early would have been distracting and, well, rude, but if there was a way to get a peak or 30 minute version, it would have been better received, especially with the kids. The $41 full rate for the 7pm (19:00) show seems excessive and luckily, I discovered the 5:00 daily "Happy Hour" rate of $31 which doesn't appear on their website when you click on "Whirling Dervish". Instead, you must go to: https://www.hodjapasha.com/en/online-ticket-sale-2/ . But even $31/each for a family of four is pretty pricey. Now, me personally, I enjoyed the music, lesson in their culture and tradition, seeing the Dervishes incredible faith, commitment and balance, especially at full spinning speed. I am glad we did the experience and it was only an hour of our 2 days in Istanbul, after the Turkish Bath (Cagaloglu Hamami is the best!) and before a wonderful dinner (Gulhane Sark Sofrasi was excellent). The venue (inside an old Hamam) is beautiful. I was between giving 3 or 4 stars...3 for the price and length of the show (although the kids would likely say 1 or 2)...4 because of the cultural authenticity and music. But again, if you're with kids, I'd suggest you pass. Ours tolerated it and one fell asleep. read more

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This theater has a Whirling Dervish show that is 100% recommend going to. Whirling Dervishes is a religious ceremony that is very interesting. Before you go in for the show, they have a room with multiple panels explaining the ceremony, the history of the religion, and shows different items used during the ceremony. Because it's religious, you can't video or take pictures during the show, and you must stay quiet, so I wouldn't recommend bringing children that can't sit still for an extended period of time here. But it truly was fascinating! read more

Hodjapasha - Performing Arts Near Me - Istanbul, 34

First of all, I don't think it was that bad, but I can see why some people wouldn't like it. Yes they do require you to show up 30 minutes before the ritual. That's because they need time to sit people since you have to get your seat assignment from the register. Yes, you do have to wait, and it can get warm in the museum like foyer. However, they do give you complimentary beverages like tea, cold water and juices and once inside the circular room, it's actually nice and well air conditioned. You'll also have time to learn more about the culture by reading Rumi's philosophy and the history of the whirling dervishes on the walls. You can also take pictures and experience the full Dervish exhibition. As far as the ceremony, I can see why some people would get bored or fall asleep. I sat in the first row, so I had the full experience. Watching them spin made me a little dizzy. LOL!!!! It was almost hypnotic and almost meditative. This is not a musical dance performance. It's more of a spiritual ritual, so don't expect it to be a lord of dance type of show! I'm a big fan of Rumi's work, and I love his poetry and his mystical philosophy, so it's a 4 stars for me. If you are thinking about seeing the whirling dervishes, be open minded, learn more about it and read a little bit of Rumi's quotes. They are very beautiful. read more

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Came here with my wife to see the traditional Turkish Dervish dance. The tickets cost 60 lira for a one hour performance. There dance area is in a circular shape and everyone has a good view of the performance. read more

Hodjapasha - Performing Arts Near Me - Istanbul, 34

I hate to do this, I was so disappointed. First of all, they want you to arrive 30 minutes before the performance and stand around in a hot, loud, overcrowded area before being seated. Which is about the least relaxing or meditative thing EVER... Then, what you have to understand is you are witnessing a ritual. It's not a performance, you can't clap or talk, and while the ceremony is undoubtedly beautiful, it is marketed as a riveting performance, when it's more of an educational experience than anything. I knew nothing about Whirling Dervishes, and you can't assume your tourists will either. Based on the materials that are plastered everywhere it seems like an exciting performance of dancing and music, but what you get is a subdued, solemn church service. If you are looking to be educated, fine. If you are looking to witness something unique, great. If you are looking for a calming meditation, awesome. If you are looking to see an exciting performance, you should look elsewhere. read more

As famous as the magnificent outline of the Blue Mosque, whirling dervish is another famous image that one has when Turkey comes in mind. If you wish to see the spectacular whirling in person, Hodjapasha is an excellent place to fulfill your wish! The famous dance in which the men in white flowing skirts whirl for an incredible duration and yet at a consistent rate is only a part of the sema prayer ceremony that is essential in the Sufi branch of Islam. Sufi practitioners used in this dance as a form of mediation by repetitively imitating the motion of cosmic revolution, so the famous whirling does have a spiritual element. While the full sema is three hours long, the whirling Dervish performance at Hodjapasha is only an hour long. However, do not mistake this shorter duration to be a sign of poor quality! The famous whirling lasts no more than an hour in a three-hour sema ritual, so the Hodjapasha performance is in fact a shortened version for people who are more interested in the whirling than the chanting. While neither the full sema or the Hodjapasha summary is better or worse than the other, both are certainly meant for different audience. Undoubtedly, Hodjapasha is designed for those who are new to the Sufism! Before the performance, the audience can browse through a small exhibit about Sufism in the waiting room to augment the experience. Whether the dancers are truly from the Dervish Order is a mystery, but the fact that they could whirl (and move as they whirl) for more than 30 minutes and that the live Sufi music was the same as the one that was played in a full sema ceremony are convincing enough for me. I had my doubt that Hodjapasha was a tourist trap, but after the performance, I was satisfied to witness the famous whirling that is more impressive to see with my own eyes! Hence, if you had a night to spare in Istanbul, I recommend the night performance of the whirling dervishes at Hodjapasha! read more

I adore the spirit of Sufism and chose this venue to celebrate my 40th birthday. It did not disappoint. In fact, I wept. The building itself is indescribably beautiful, as many in Sultanahmet are, and the opportunity to watch the Dervishes whirl and pray is something I will cherish forever. Book early, as seating is allocated on a first booked, first served basis. This is quite literal. Your seat number is on your ticket and determines your proximity to the stage. Front row, as always, is where it's at. Read some Rumi to prepare, and expect awe. read more