From Kayseri
This whirling dervish tour in Cappadocia takes you to watch the Sema, the centuries-old Mevlevi ceremony, performed inside a historic cave venue, with hotel transfers from Kayseri, a guide and a traditional drink included. It is a calm, contemplative experience rather than a show, and one of the most memorable cultural activities you can add to a stay in central Turkey.
The Sema symbolises a spiritual journey in which a person rises towards maturity and perfection, learning to love and serve all of creation regardless of belief or origin. Dressed in flowing white skirts, the whirling dervishes turn slowly and then ever more gracefully, their movement evoking the circling of the stars and the sun. Each dervish holds the right palm open to the sky to receive divine blessing and turns the left palm towards the earth to pass that blessing on to others, revolving from right to left around the heart.
Before the ceremony your English-speaking guide explains the meaning of the costumes, the music and every stage of the ritual, so you can follow its symbolism as it unfolds. Guests are offered a cup of a traditional soft drink, and entry to the ceremony is covered in the price. Afterwards you are driven back to your hotel, having witnessed a living tradition whose atmosphere stays with many visitors long after their trip to Cappadocia.
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Whirling Dervish Programme You are picked up from your hotel in Kayseri and driven in an air-conditioned vehicle into the Cappadocia region, where the ceremony takes place in a historic cave hall. On arrival your English-speaking guide introduces the Sema, the ritual of the Mevlevi whirling dervishes, explaining that it represents a spiritual path towards maturity and perfection and a love for all of creation without discrimination of faith or race. You are offered a cup of a traditional soft drink before taking your seat. During the ceremony the dervishes, in tall felt hats and white skirts, open their arms with the right hand turned upwards to receive God's blessing and the left hand turned downwards to share it with the world. Turning from right to left around the heart, they symbolise the embrace of all humanity with love and compassion, and the music and silence of the hall create a deeply moving atmosphere. When the ritual ends, you are transferred back to your hotel in Kayseri. No meals are included on this short tour.
Kayseri
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My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
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10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!