Combos

Combo (Save 16%): Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance + Hagia Sophia Tickets

Whirling Dervishes performing in Istanbul with Hagia Sophia in the background.

Father and son enjoy beautiful view on Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Istanbul

Explore Istanbul's spiritual side with a cost-effective combo to see a Whirling Dervish show and get skip-the-ticket-line access to the Hagia Sophia.

Highlights

Seek spiritual enlightenment with a 1-hour Whirling Dervish ceremony at a historic Madrasah at the heart of old Istanbul.
Be captivated by the swirling dervishes, their white gowns flowing as they perform the centuries-old Sema ceremony.
Explore the Hagia Sophia at your own pace with a skip-the-line ticket, marveling at its mosaics and ancient architecture.
Learn about the Hagia Sophia's history through multiple ancient empires with the multilingual audio guide, uncovering the stories behind its artwork.
Fun fact: The whirling dervishes' white gowns represent a shroud, symbolizing their letting go of the earthly world.

Inclusions

Whirling Dervish Show

Entry to 1-hour Whirling Dervish show

Hagia Sophia

Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area
Audio guide in 23 languages

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

3.9

653 ratings

5/5

298

4/5

176

3/5

2/5

1/5

Manas

5/5

Nov, 2024

It was very well organised. There was a gentalman who explained the ceremony and even waited for Q & As at the end The musicians were superb and the dervishs were breathtaking definitely worth a visit

Vera

5/5

Nov, 2024

Ideal Location Location. Introductory explanations and answers to the most common questions. Price/quality is 10 out of 10. Recommend.

This review is translated. Show original review.

Miguel

5/5

Oct, 2024

An enchanting moment. The only problem was finding the place, as the map link took us a bit further. Aim.for.the.basilica.cistern.and.walk.50m.down.the.same.sidewalk. White.gate.just.before.imperial.tour.operator.

View original review in French

Sabina

5/5

Oct, 2024

I loved the way we were first given the context to the whirling dervish show. The history from where all started. For me, it was a complete eye opener and for the ceremony (the sema dance) was just so magical. I cannot describe it in words but the moment the dervish dance started the aura of the room changed to a mystical one.

Asma

3/5

Oct, 2024

Hello, I had trouble finding the location. The geolocation on the app was unreliable! Very nice show

View original review in French

Show all reviews

Your experience

This pocket-friendly combo lets you experience two of Istanbul's most captivating cultural treasures: the whirling dervishes' ceremony and the Hagia Sophia.

Whirling Dervish Show

Imagine the warm glow of candlelight illuminating a centuries-old Madrasah as you witness the Sema ceremony. As the first notes of traditional Sufi music fill the Madrasah, the Dervishes begin their graceful twirls. Their movements are slow and deliberate, each spin a representation of their connection to the universe. Watch as the Dervishes reach a state of near-trance, their white skirts creating a blur against the backdrop of the historic building. This performance is more than just a show; it's a window into the heart of Sufism, a mystical tradition that symbolizes their connection to the universe and a letting go of the earthly world.

Hagia Sophia

Your combo ticket also grants you skip-the-line access to the Hagia Sophia. With your multilingual audio guide, embark on a self-guided exploration, unraveling the stories etched in the mosaics and the intricate calligraphy adorning the walls. Imagine the footsteps of Byzantine emperors echoing through the 6th-century Emperor's Gate. Don't miss the Mihrab, a prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca – a reminder of Hagia Sophia's past as both a church and a mosque. Keep an eye out for the towering columns, each brought from ancient cities such as Ephesos and Tarsus. Explore this time capsule at your own pace as you soak in its centuries-old history.

Operating hours

Hagia Sophia

Monday	09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Tuesday	09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Wednesday	09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Thursday	09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Friday	09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Saturday	09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Sunday	09:00 AM - 07:30 PM

Know before you go

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

For optimal enjoyment, bring your earphones to use with the audio guide.

What's not allowed

Whirling Dervish Show

Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography and tripods are no-go inside the venue.

Hagia Sophia

Strict dress code: Guests must dress modestly and cover their knees and shoulders. Women should also partially cover their hair with a scarf.
Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography and tripods are no-go inside the venue.

Accessibility

Whirling Dervish Show & Hagia Sophia

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

Hagia Sophia

During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.
Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.