Whirling Dervishes Show

The best place to witness the Whirling Dervishes is of course in Konya, where the Mevlevi order (tarikat) was founded in the 13th century. But also in Istanbul, you have plenty of opportunities to see the Dervishes whirl. And because of the many choices, visitors often ask me: “What is the best place to watch a Whirling Dervishes performance, and what is it really all about?”

What Are the Whirling Dervishes?

The Whirling Dervishes took their name from Jelaleddin Rumi (1207-1273), the mystical poet and great Sufi master, called Mevlana (our leader) by his disciples. Sufis seek a close relationship with God, and for Mevlana, it was through chants, prayers, music, and a whirling dance.

This ceremony (sema) can be witnessed by visitors just like you. Remember that although it may look a bit like a performance, it is still a religious ceremony. Refrain from talking, leaving your seat, or taking pictures with a flash while the dervishes are spinning.

Sufi Music Concert & Whirling Dervishes Ceremony Istanbul Whirling Dervishes hosts regular Sufi music concerts and whirling dervish performances in Sultanahmet. This is a spiritual and informative tribute to 13th century mystic, poet and philosopher Mevlana C. Rumi and his followers. The Istanbul Whirling Dervishes programme starts with an introduction speech about Rumi, followed Sufi Music and the 4-salam whirling dervish ceremony, giving life to 800 years tradition on the stage with their determination and faith for being a lifelong follower of Mevlevi tradition. Our Madrasa is a most suitable place for the spiritual atmosphere of Sema ritual. To give up one’s own existence and become non-existent in God , that is , to bind ones’s heart completely to God, is shortest way to God. Whoever has given his heart to the Divine Truth has no “self ” left . It is god who moves every particle of him. In this way that person no longer acts in accordance with his ego , doing the bad things that would cause harm to others. He has become enfolded in the moral principles of God . Exalted Mohammed and the Exalted Mevlana are examples of these qualities for us.

Mevlana is limitless being , unable to be contained this world. He is the Divine Voice giving the good news to those seeking beauty , truth , goodness , light and Divine Truth. He is the voice of mercy offering consolation to those under tyranny. He is the breath of healing , bestowing health on those crying out in separation. He is the teacher of humanness to humans. He teaches that every thing is within the human being and that the whole universe is under man’s command.