Thing to do
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest covered markets, begun in the 1450s, with 61 vaulted streets of carpet, jewellery, ceramics and textile shops.
Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
A nightly sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes staged in a restored 15th-century double hamam in Sirkeci, with Turkish dance shows on selected evenings.
At a glance
- Type
- Whirling dervish ceremony
- Area
- Sirkeci, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Official site
- hodjapasha.com
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Nightly performances
- Historic hamam venue
Why we recommend it
The Hodjapasha Culture Centre occupies a 15th-century double hamam in the lanes behind Sirkeci station, restored as an intimate theatre. Its main draw is the sema, the whirling ceremony associated with the Mevlevi order, presented every evening as a spiritual ritual with live music rather than a cabaret act. It runs for about an hour.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays a separate show, Rhythm of the Dance, covers folk dances from across Turkey. Book ahead in high season, arrive around 30 minutes before the start, and remember that applause and photography during the ceremony are discouraged out of respect. It is an easy walk from Sirkeci tram and Marmaray stations.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Ceremony FAQs
What time is the ceremony?
The whirling dervish ceremony starts every day at 19:00 and lasts about 60 minutes; arrive 30 minutes early.
Are there other shows?
Yes — Rhythm of the Dance, a Turkish dance show, runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 20:30.