The Sema in Istanbul
The Sema is a spiritual practice of the Mevlevi Sufi order, with music and a turning movement. It is a religious ceremony, not a folk dance. UNESCO has recognised it as intangible heritage since 2008, after a proclamation in 2005. The recognition covers the tradition, not any single evening performance for visitors.
A regular ceremony for visitors takes place at Hodjapasha in Sirkeci, in a historic hamam building. Treat the evening with respect. For the Mevlevi it is a form of worship, even when the venue is open to visitors, so follow the staff's instructions and keep your phone away.
Our picks: Sema ceremony
Both are presentations of the Mevlevi Sema, a religious ceremony. One runs an hour with an exhibition, the other is 55 minutes with live music next to Hagia Sophia.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mevlevi Sema ceremony and exhibition
- Sema ceremony ticket
- Programme booklet
- Drinking water
The Sema is a religious ceremony of the Mevlevi order. This is a one-hour presentation of it, together with an exhibition.
Check availability →Sema ceremony next to Hagia Sophia
- Ceremony with live music
- Tea or sorbet and water
- Multilingual audio guide
A 55-minute Sema ceremony next to Hagia Sophia, a short walk from the Blue Mosque.
Check availability →Whirling dervish ceremony tickets in Istanbul
Sema ceremony tickets and evening experiences in Istanbul, with live prices and availability.
Hodjapasha: times, prices and rules
Details for 2026.
| Online (USD) | In lira (TRY) | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $42 | TRY 2,100 |
| Child, 7 to 12 years | $24 | TRY 1,200 |
| Under 7 years | Not admitted | – |
| Start | 19:00 daily | 19:00 daily |
One price is in US dollars online, the other in Turkish lira. Do not convert one into the other: check the final amount at checkout. For most visitors, the 19:00 ceremony booked online in advance is the simplest option. Both prices are for the same show. Confirm the final price and terms at checkout, because conditions can differ between the two. A second show at 17:00 is only offered on request, not as a daily fixed time.
What the evening looks like
The program runs about 60 minutes.
Introduction, 5 minutes
A short introductory video. The exhibition is part of the ticket.
Sufi music, 10 minutes
The music comes before the ceremony itself.
The Sema, 45 minutes
The ceremony with its turning movement. Photography is not allowed during the Sema. Keep quiet and stay seated.
Arrival and seating
Arrive 30 minutes before the start. Seats are assigned in booking order. The hall is not suitable for wheelchairs. The address is Hocapaşa Hamamı Sokak No. 3/B, Sirkeci.
Late arrival
Entry is only possible in the first 10 minutes. A no-show without refund starts after 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the booking channel. Do not count on a grace period.
Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum
The Galata Mevlevi Lodge (Galata Mevlevihanesi) was founded in 1491. Today it is a museum with an exhibition in the semahane, the hall for the ceremony, with dervish rooms, objects of the order and musical instruments. A visit to the museum is not the same as attending a scheduled Sema.
The museum is open 09:00–18:30, with the last ticket sold at 17:30, and closed on Mondays. It is at Galip Dede Cad. No. 15 in Tünel. Admission is €7 in 2026. Only parts of the garden are open. Do not rely on a regular Sema at Galata: check the museum for its current events.
Hodjapasha or Galata?
They are different things.
| Hodjapasha | Galata Mevlevi Lodge | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Evening Sema ceremony with exhibition | Museum in a former lodge |
| When | Daily at 19:00 | 09:00–18:30, closed Monday |
| Price (2026) | $42 adult online | €7 museum entry |
| Area | Sirkeci | Tünel |
For most visitors who want to see the ceremony, Hodjapasha is the one to book. Add the Galata museum if you want the history of the order and a look at the semahane.
Pair the evening with the old city
A day in Sultanahmet fits well before the 19:00 ceremony. See the Blue Mosque in the morning, check the visiting hours and prayer closures, and spend the afternoon with the Hagia Sophia or in a Turkish bath. Our guide to getting there explains the tram and the other routes into the old city.
Plan the rest of your trip
More guides from this site.
Whirling dervish ceremony: frequently asked questions
What is the Sema?
It is a religious ceremony of the Mevlevi Sufi order with music and a turning movement. UNESCO recognises it as intangible heritage since 2008.
How much does a dervish show cost in Istanbul?
At Hodjapasha, adults pay $42 online or TRY 2,100 in lira. Children aged 7 to 12 pay $24 or TRY 1,200. Children under 7 are not admitted. Prices are for 2026.
Can I take photos?
Photography is not allowed during the Sema at Hodjapasha.
How long is the show?
About 60 minutes: 5 minutes of introduction, 10 minutes of music and 45 minutes of Sema. Arrive 30 minutes early.
Is the Galata Mevlevi Lodge the same as the show?
No. The Galata Mevlevi Lodge is a museum with an exhibition, entry €7 in 2026. A museum visit is not a ceremony ticket.
Is this the official site of the venue?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the venue, the mosque or any authority.