I came here with a tour group through Viator and this show was incredible. I have always had a…read morefascination 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.

I really hate to say that I probably wouldn't recommend this hour long show to a friend because…read morewhile 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.

From the owner: Ortaoyuncular Tiyatrosunun repertuar oyunlarının sergilendiği ve Ortaoyuncular Yayınlarından çıkmış…read morekitapların satıldığı yer.