Hodjapasha

Maybe it’s no coincidence that the theater is a restored hammam because this ceremony felt like purification of the soul from the inside out. I entered a skeptic but cried for 80% of the show. You might find the intro to be long and awkward, twenty minutes of craning your neck to read a slideshow that seemed out of place for such an esteemed performance. If your eyesight isn’t the best, bring glasses! This part drags but serves its purpose: teaching us the necessary context of the meditation. And then, the dervishes enter. The performance itself is beyond words. Watching these men, twirl effortlessly not missing one step as if God himself is spinning them with his fingertips. The choir’s voices wrapped around the room, creating a sound bath that was both grounding and transcendent. Young and old men, each driven by a purpose so clearly beyond our understanding. My eyes were locked on them the entire time as I tried to not to disrupt with my sobs. I could’ve sat for an hour longer. You could tell from the crowd it’s not a performance for everyone. But when someone got it, they got it. The seating is arranged in an open circular layout with only a few tiered rows, so every seat offers a clear view. We sat in the back near the door, and it was perfect. After living in Istanbul for 2.5 years, I can’t believe I waited until after leaving to experience this. This is NOT your typical tourist trap—as I should know better that nothing in Turkey is typical—it’s a ceremony as rich and soul altering as the city itself.

We have just had a wonderful evening (Rhythm of the dance show) full of professional entertainment. We wanted a bit more of an authentic Turkish dance experience and this show did not disappoint. The performers had a air of style and a balance of entertainment mixed with enthusiasm. Smiles through and through. At no point did they look like they were going through the motions. We are so glad we booked this unique venue and experience. The performance venue was a delight, full of atmosphere and surprise. Lovely lighting and stage production. Well worth a visit. Forget the over priced cruise belly shows. Enjoy authenticity.

It was interesting to see how well they could dance in sync. The performance lasted about 40 minutes, including live music. The seating was basic wooden chairs, so you would want the performance to last an hour at maximum. I appreciated the explanation for each part of the performance, which was projected onto a screen above the performers, as it helped the audience stay engaged.

Nice dance ritual. You could really feel the spirituality. No photos or videos were allowed during the show because of the ritualistic aspect. Also the small museum was interesting and in English too.

One of the most distinguished and excellent show . Both the 7 pm show of the whirling dervish show where you understand the spiritual and physical form of life with the rotation of them. The 8.30 show as called the rhythm of the dance show is also one of the finest and entertaining show. This show is a non stop show and really one cannot remove eyes from the stage. All the performance done by the artist are excellent and full of energy . Each act and performance is different from the first and full of excitement and entertainment. It is a non stop 60 minutes of enjoyment and thrill. Worth the money and time and a must visit for tourists. Highly recommended for each age group, elder or big. Some acts might not feel suitable for children but if accompanied by a adult, surely can elevate and complement the enjoyment for a child too. It's location is also very easily reachable and accessible at the old side of Istanbul and walking distance to nearest landmark of the famous places we visit. You can also enjoy near by surrounding as it's very much surrounded by shops , eat joints and lot more

The Hodjapasha Theater in Istanbul offers a unique cultural experience, blending Turkey’s rich heritage with contemporary artistic performances. Located in a restored 15th-century Turkish bath, the theater provides an intimate and authentic setting that enhances each show. Highlights: 1. Location and History: • Situated in the heart of Istanbul, near significant landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. • The building, originally a 15th-century bath, retains its historical architecture, adding cultural depth to the performances. 2. Performances: • Famous for traditional Turkish dance and music shows, including the Whirling Dervishes (Sema) and folk dances. • The Whirling Dervishes offer a deep spiritual experience, showcasing Sufi mysticism.

The dancing is exciting, a fast paced show with lots of costume and lighting changes so it never got boring; however, I would not bring young children( under 13) or anyone with a heart condition or prone to seizures, due to strobe lighting and loud heavy beat music, and some provocative numbers. The whirling dervish dance( which was done in a non traditional costume) was unbelievable. My friend counted that (He the dancer) spun over 300 times. This is a small theater so every seat is good.

Do not miss Rhythm of the Dance! Such an amazing performance with wonderfully talented dancers. I have been to many belly dance shows and dance myself, and was very impressed. Great value for such varied choreographies and beautiful costumes. The Dervishes Ceremony was beautiful, moving, and so impressive. The first time I was in Istanbul, I went to a restaurant where with whirling Dervishes. They were amazing performers, but these are actual Dervishes and it the spiritual aspect of it shines through. High recommend getting the package so that you see both the Istanbul Dervishes and Rhythm of the Dance!

This theater has a Whirling Dervish show that is 100% recommend going to. Whirling Dervishes is a religious ceremony that is very interesting. Before you go in for the show, they have a room with multiple panels explaining the ceremony, the history of the religion, and shows different items used during the ceremony. Because it's religious, you can't video or take pictures during the show, and you must stay quiet, so I wouldn't recommend bringing children that can't sit still for an extended period of time here. But it truly was fascinating!

First of all, I don't think it was that bad, but I can see why some people wouldn't like it. Yes they do require you to show up 30 minutes before the ritual. That's because they need time to sit people since you have to get your seat assignment from the register. Yes, you do have to wait, and it can get warm in the museum like foyer. However, they do give you complimentary beverages like tea, cold water and juices and once inside the circular room, it's actually nice and well air conditioned. You'll also have time to learn more about the culture by reading Rumi's philosophy and the history of the whirling dervishes on the walls. You can also take pictures and experience the full Dervish exhibition. As far as the ceremony, I can see why some people would get bored or fall asleep. I sat in the first row, so I had the full experience. Watching them spin made me a little dizzy. LOL!!!! It was almost hypnotic and almost meditative. This is not a musical dance performance. It's more of a spiritual ritual, so don't expect it to be a lord of dance type of show! I'm a big fan of Rumi's work, and I love his poetry and his mystical philosophy, so it's a 4 stars for me. If you are thinking about seeing the whirling dervishes, be open minded, learn more about it and read a little bit of Rumi's quotes. They are very beautiful.

Came here with my wife to see the traditional Turkish Dervish dance. The tickets cost 60 lira for a one hour performance. There dance area is in a circular shape and everyone has a good view of the performance.

I hate to do this, I was so disappointed. First of all, they want you to arrive 30 minutes before the performance and stand around in a hot, loud, overcrowded area before being seated. Which is about the least relaxing or meditative thing EVER... Then, what you have to understand is you are witnessing a ritual. It's not a performance, you can't clap or talk, and while the ceremony is undoubtedly beautiful, it is marketed as a riveting performance, when it's more of an educational experience than anything. I knew nothing about Whirling Dervishes, and you can't assume your tourists will either. Based on the materials that are plastered everywhere it seems like an exciting performance of dancing and music, but what you get is a subdued, solemn church service. If you are looking to be educated, fine. If you are looking to witness something unique, great. If you are looking for a calming meditation, awesome. If you are looking to see an exciting performance, you should look elsewhere.

As famous as the magnificent outline of the Blue Mosque, whirling dervish is another famous image that one has when Turkey comes in mind. If you wish to see the spectacular whirling in person, Hodjapasha is an excellent place to fulfill your wish! The famous dance in which the men in white flowing skirts whirl for an incredible duration and yet at a consistent rate is only a part of the sema prayer ceremony that is essential in the Sufi branch of Islam. Sufi practitioners used in this dance as a form of mediation by repetitively imitating the motion of cosmic revolution, so the famous whirling does have a spiritual element. While the full sema is three hours long, the whirling Dervish performance at Hodjapasha is only an hour long. However, do not mistake this shorter duration to be a sign of poor quality! The famous whirling lasts no more than an hour in a three-hour sema ritual, so the Hodjapasha performance is in fact a shortened version for people who are more interested in the whirling than the chanting. While neither the full sema or the Hodjapasha summary is better or worse than the other, both are certainly meant for different audience. Undoubtedly, Hodjapasha is designed for those who are new to the Sufism! Before the performance, the audience can browse through a small exhibit about Sufism in the waiting room to augment the experience. Whether the dancers are truly from the Dervish Order is a mystery, but the fact that they could whirl (and move as they whirl) for more than 30 minutes and that the live Sufi music was the same as the one that was played in a full sema ceremony are convincing enough for me. I had my doubt that Hodjapasha was a tourist trap, but after the performance, I was satisfied to witness the famous whirling that is more impressive to see with my own eyes! Hence, if you had a night to spare in Istanbul, I recommend the night performance of the whirling dervishes at Hodjapasha!

I adore the spirit of Sufism and chose this venue to celebrate my 40th birthday. It did not disappoint. In fact, I wept. The building itself is indescribably beautiful, as many in Sultanahmet are, and the opportunity to watch the Dervishes whirl and pray is something I will cherish forever. Book early, as seating is allocated on a first booked, first served basis. This is quite literal. Your seat number is on your ticket and determines your proximity to the stage. Front row, as always, is where it's at. Read some Rumi to prepare, and expect awe.