The Sema
A cultural presentation of the whirling dervish tradition, centred on movement and reflection.
ISTANBUL · WHIRLING DERVISH CEREMONY
Whirling Dervish Ceremony
in Istanbul.
Experience the music, movement and meaning of the Sema tradition with Dervish Istanbul at Kızlar Ağası Medresesi (Kızlarağası Medresesi), in Sultanahmet’s historic centre.
60-minute experience · Payment at the venue
STARTS AT19:00Istanbul local time
DURATION60 minutesArrive at 18:45
WHENSix evenings a weekClosed on Tuesdays
LOCATIONKızlarağası MedresesiFatih · Istanbul
01 / THE EXPERIENCE
What is a whirling
dervish ceremony?
Sema brings together whirling movement and traditional music in a contemplative ceremony associated with the Mevlevi tradition.
The flowing robes, measured turns and musical accompaniment create an experience that invites quiet attention. Take your seat, put the day aside and follow the rhythm of the evening.
Live music
Traditional musical accompaniment forms part of the ceremony and its atmosphere.
A shared moment
A seated experience. Please remain quiet and follow the venue team’s guidance.
A GLIMPSE OF THE EVENING
See the movement.
Hear the atmosphere.
Press play to explore the ceremony.
Sound and playback are in your control.
02 / YOUR EVENING
A simple plan.
A memorable hour.
All times are local to Istanbul. Please allow enough time to reach the venue and settle into your seat.
Plan your journey ↗Arrive & settle in
Meet the venue team, present your reservation and take your seat.
The ceremony begins
The evening brings together traditional music, a cultural introduction and the Sema presentation.
The evening draws to a close
The programme lasts approximately one hour. Continue your evening in Istanbul’s historic centre.
03 / THE ATMOSPHERE
A closer look.
1 / 8
Swipe to explore on mobile. Use the arrows or your keyboard to browse.
04 / RESERVE YOUR EVENING
Your seat.
Your Istanbul moment.
Choose your date and party size. On the next page, review your selection and enter your name and email to receive your reservation details.
Included in your visit
- Whirling Dervish ceremony admission
- Live traditional music
- Cultural introduction and seating
Please arrange separately
Hotel transfers, food, drinks and personal expenses are not included.
Need help with a group or a special request?
Message us on WhatsApp: +90 532 284 66 57 ↗
05 / FIND YOUR WAY
Kızlar Ağası Medresesi
in Sultanahmet.
Visit Kızlarağası Medresesi
Also written as Kızlar Ağası Medresesi or Kizlaragasi Medresesi, the venue is on Hoca Rüstem Sokak in Alemdar, Fatih. Use the address below to plan your visit to the dervish ceremony in Istanbul.
Kızlar Ağası Medresesi’nde sema gösterisi
İstanbul Sultanahmet’teki Kızlarağası Medresesi’nde düzenlenen sema programı yaklaşık 60 dakika sürer. Salı hariç her gün saat 19.00’da başlar. Saat 18.45’te gelmeniz önerilir. Tarih ve kişi sayısını seçerek rezervasyon yapabilir, ödemenizi mekânda gerçekleştirebilirsiniz.
34110 Fatih, Istanbul, TürkiyeOpen directions ↗
By tram & on foot
Take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet or Çemberlitaş, then walk to the venue. Check the map for your route and allow extra time in busy periods.
Arriving by car
Vehicle access in the historic centre can be limited. Plan for a short walk from your drop-off point.
At the door
Arrive by 18:45 and keep your reservation reference ready. Payment is made at the venue.
Do I need to pay online?
No. Reserve online and pay at the venue. The adult price is ₺1,000 and the child price is ₺800.
When is the dervish ceremony at Kızlar Ağası Medresesi?
At 19:00 every day except Tuesday. The experience lasts approximately 60 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Can children attend?
Children can attend with an adult. The child ticket applies to ages 0–12. Please help children remain quiet during the ceremony.
Can I take photographs?
Please ask the venue team about photography before the ceremony and follow their instructions throughout.
Are transfers or refreshments included?
No. Please arrange your own transport, food and drinks. Your booking covers the ceremony experience and seating.
How do I change or cancel my reservation?
Message us on WhatsApp: +90 532 284 66 57 with your reservation reference. Contact the team as early as possible to discuss changes or cancellation.
What happens if I am late?
Message the venue team on WhatsApp as soon as possible. Entry after the start must be coordinated with the team to avoid disturbing the ceremony.
WHATSAPP SUPPORT
Plan your visit.
Message us on WhatsApp.
Questions about the ceremony, group bookings or an existing reservation? Contact Dervish Istanbul through WhatsApp messages only. We do not accept phone calls.
For an existing reservation, include your booking reference. For a new visit, tell us your preferred date and number of guests.
Chat on WhatsApp ↗+90 532 284 66 57 · WhatsApp messages only
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER