Byzantine and Ottoman Monuments Tour (Full Day)
Duration 8 Hour
75 €
Starting Price
Whirling Dervishes Show
1 Hour
Free Refund
Book Now, Pay Later
In the Cultural Center in the heart of Istanbul, the magnificent, enchanting one-hour performance of the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony will deeply affect you. You will witness the miracles of the rotating dancers and dervishes, known as Mevlâna, named after Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273), by the spear poets and great Sufi masters. Sema, which actually means "to hear," dates back 800 years. Hearing the music, feeling it inside your heart, and reflecting inner thoughts through dance is merely a symbol. Sufis seek a close relationship with God, and for Mevlâna, it was a dance of rotation accompanied by prayers and music. The show itself assumes the idea that everything, from the atoms in the universe to the solar system, rotates with God's love, transforming into the blood that flows in every living being. Our soul embarks on a spiritual and mystical journey toward God with Sema, as we become wise and gain unity. After the journey, the human soul returns to its life and serves humanity once again. This captivating performance begins with a classical Turkish music concert and then the Sema ceremony, consisting of 7 parts, begins. The whirling dervishes and the sheikh take their places and start to praise our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which will give you a great excitement. Then a drum sound is heard, and all 7 pieces are performed. When the extraordinary whirling dervishes rotate to represent the birth of humanity, they reach Sema. The Sema concludes with a Fatiha for the souls of all prophets, martyrs, and believers, and a prayer for the salvation of the country. Selected as the best authentic local event in 2010 by the Federation of Turkish Tourist Guides, this unique traditional ritual was also declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.
In fact, the best place to watch the Sema Dervishes is, of course, Konya, where the Mevlevi Order was founded in the 13th century.
As Mevlâna Jelaluddin Rumi said, 'Travel brings back power and love into your life.
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