If you’ve heard of Whirling Dervishes and want to find out what it’s all about, make a date to visit the Mevlevi Monastery while you’re in Istanbul. The magic and mystery of the sema Sufi ceremony is a truly mesmerizing experience.
Members of the Mevlevi Sufi order, established by the Persian poet Rumi in the 13th century, perform the ancient whirling ceremony at the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi Monastery.
The ceremony is divided into four segments, with traditional music and hymns of praise, a recitation, the spinning selams and a concluding prayer.
The Mevlevi Monastery is in Beyoglu, near the Galata Tower. To get here, make your way up the hill from the Galata Bridge, or walk down from Taksim Square.
