Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Cappadocia

Start Point: Your Hotel or Saruhan Culture and Congress Center

Overview

Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes are world-renowned for their unique twirling rituals, an ancient spiritual practice of the Sufi religion. With this tour, attend a traditional Sema ceremony at a historic caravanserai and watch the sacred ritual for yourself. Your English-speaking guide will be there throughout the 1-hour ceremony to explain the traditions, and you’ll also have the opportunity to try ‘Serbet’, a sweet cordial drink enjoyed by the Sufis.

Tour Info

Itinerary

Uncover the most enchanting part of the world, Turkey's legendary Whirling Dervishes, and an exclusive chance to behold their one and only spiritual tradition based upon the 13th-century poet and mystic- Rumi. Join them during the sacred Sema, where the Mevlevi order performs this graceful, choreographic ritual in a historical atmospheric setting.

Highlights:

  • Entertainment by Whirling Dervishes performing the famous Sema ceremony
  • Be enchanted by the atmosphere within the 13th Century Saruhan Caravanserai
  • Taste a traditional sweet drink enjoyed by the Sufis to end the evening-sharbat.
  • Learn about the ceremony’s significance from your English-speaking guide.
  • Enjoy live music and an enchanting Cappadocia light display.
  • Convenient round-trip hotel transfers included.

Itinerary:

Hotel Pick-Up
Your journey begins with a comfortable transfer from your hotel to the Saruhan Caravanserai.

Introduction at the Caravanserai
Upon arrival, your guide will introduce the Sema ceremony and explain its cultural and spiritual significance.

Sema Ceremony
Enjoy the one-hour-long Sema ceremony, where the Whirling Dervishes will perform their symbolic ritual of spinning, accompanied by live music.

Sherbet Tasting
After the ceremony, taste a traditional drink called sherbet, sweet and refreshing, part of the Sufi culture.

Photo and Video Opportunity
Photography or video recording of the Whirling Dervishes is allowed after the ceremony as a memory of the experience.

Hotel Drop-Off
Relax during your return transfer to your hotel, ending your evening on a serene note.

Suggestions for Guests:

  • Please come with an open mind to appreciate this spiritual tradition.
  • Dress comfortably and modestly, taking into consideration the cultural surroundings.       

Enjoy this very special cultural and spiritual experience for a memorable evening in Turkey. This is the end of our service. We sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again!

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusion
  • Guaranteed to skip the lines
  • Entry/Admission - Dervis Evi Whirling Dervishes
  • A soft drink called Serbet
  • Live entertainment
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option is selected)
Exclusion
  • Food

Cancellation Policy

2 Days Before Tour - Free Cancellation

You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 2 days before the scheduled start time of the experience.

However, if you cancel within 2 days of the start time, no refund will be issued, and any modification requests made during this period will not be accepted.

Please note that all cancellation deadlines are based on local time.