Whirling Dervishes – experience the Sema ceremony

The circle of white skirts, the right hand to heaven, the left to earth: the Sema is not a dance for entertainment but a prayer in motion, UNESCO heritage since 2008. Beforehand I explain the order's history, the clothing, the music and the sequence – so you do not only watch, you understand. From €90 per person; hotel transfer can be added on request.

Highlights

• Sema ceremony at the Hodjapasha Culture Centre or the Galata Mevlevi Lodge
• Rumi, Konya and the history of the Mevlevi order
• Symbolism of hat, cloak, skirt and the four selams
• Ney, kudüm and the music of the Sema
• Reserved seats, company and introduction by your guide
• Transfer with driver optional

Full description

Jalal ad-Din Rumi, called Mevlana, lived in Konya in the 13th century; his son founded the order whose dervishes still whirl in the Sema today. The ceremony follows a fixed sequence: recitation, ney improvisation, the walk of the dervishes, four selams, the reading from the Koran. Every movement has meaning – the black cloak laid aside, the hat as the tombstone of the ego, the turning around the heart.

Before the ceremony we meet for an introduction, during the Sema silence applies, afterwards there is time for your questions. Depending on the weekday the Sema takes place at the Hodjapasha Culture Centre in Sirkeci or at the historic Galata Mevlevi Lodge; the museum there shows instruments, clothing and the order's cemetery. I quote price and programme after your request.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• 1 · Introduction
  History of the order, sequence, meaning of the clothing and the four selams.
• 2 · Galata Mevlevi Lodge (by date)
  Lodge of 1491, museum, cemetery with the dervish graves.
• 3 · The Sema ceremony
  About 60 minutes of recitation, ney, whirling and silence.
• 4 · Conversation afterwards
  Time for questions over tea in Sirkeci or Tünel.
• 5 · Return transfer (optional)
  With a booked vehicle to your hotel or Galataport.

Included

• Seat reservation
• Company and introduction by your guide

Not included

• Tickets for the ceremony (itemised in the offer)
• Dinner and drinks
• Vehicle and transfers, optional
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

Meeting point, depending on the venue, in front of the Hodjapasha Culture Centre in Sirkeci or at the entrance of the Galata Mevlevi Lodge at the Tünel station. With a booked vehicle I pick you up at your hotel or Galataport.

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

Route to the meeting point (Google Maps): 📍 Hodjapasha, Sirkeci 📍 Galata Mevlevi Lodge

Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Respect – The Sema is a religious service: no applause, no flash photography, no coming and going during the ceremony.
• Dates – Ceremonies take place on fixed weekdays; tell me your preferred date and I suggest the matching venue.
• Children – Suitable for children who can sit quietly for an hour.