Whirling Dervish Ceremony: Mystical Dance Ritual

Experience the mystical Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Cappadocia’s historical Caravansarai. Witness the real dervishes and live musicians in a mesmerizing ritual accompanied by the Ney. Don’t miss the complimentary syrup and the captivating light show about the formations of Cappadocia. Book now!

Duration: 50 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Saruhan Culture and Event Center - Guests will be picked up from their hotel and after a 20-minute drive, they will arrive at Saruhan Caravanserai, one of the best-preserved caravanserais in Anatolia, making it a worthwhile visit.
    Visitors will proceed to Dervishane (Dervish House) to witness an authentic Dervish Ceremony. This is one of the oldest…
What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Other
Additional Information

Whirling Dervish Ceremony: It is known as the most mystical dance in the world, created and developed with the inspiration of Rumi (1207-1273). It taught by Shams-i Tabriz to Mevlana. In fact, when looked more deeply, it is the ritual of the Mevlevi dervishes. It can be summarized as the ritual they perform by opening their arms to both sides, turning…

Location
Saruhan Culture and Event Center
Yeni kayseri Yolu 6 km
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(52 Ratings)
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Robert
Nov 23, 2025
A Rare and Cherished Experience - Great experience! This was a rich and warming experience to see in person. I saw a previous demonstration in Istanbul but this was different. I felt a different sense coming from the dervishes. I wish I could experience this more often. I felt it. My driver from my hotel was very helpful and made great conversation as well as advise me on my next tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariaraffaella_g
Oct 27, 2025
It was perfect! The... - It was perfect! The driver was extremely kind and when we arrived at the location, it seems surreal. The cerimony was touching and I totally recommend this experience
Review provided by Viator
Christina_d
Oct 24, 2025
An authentic amazing experience - This dervish ceremony is a must do. Authentic, spiritual and so beautiful to see. We were captivated by the music and the atmosphere.
Review provided by Viator
Yvonne_l
Oct 21, 2025
Wonderful experience, lots to learn. - On-time pickup by the driver to the location for the main event. It was good to witness an authentic Dervish ceremony. I wished there was some introduction prior to the ceremony/dance. I received more information from the driver who took me there than the program itself. Overall, it was an honor to get to observe the ceremony at the original caravanserai.
Review provided by Viator
Adriandaniel_l
Aug 20, 2025
One in a life experience. - Spiritual experience, just feeling everything you see at the ceremony. Amazing. Very well organized and perfect.
Review provided by Viator
Ayteng506
Aug 19, 2025
Mystical spiritual representation - Personally, I enjoyed discovering an authentic dervish ceremony. Being aware of this branch of Islam, which is not a “sect” as I heard it, I enjoyed rediscovering the dances and music that my husband found mesmerizing. I do not recommend families with young children to go there because the very young may be bored. It is not a “show” but a mystical spiritual representation.
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Texasvacationer2017
Jun 10, 2025
Authentic religious ceremony NOT A SHOW! - Absolutely phenomenal religious ceremony to which visitors are invited. Tourists need to be advised that THIS IS NOT A SHOW ! The practitioners are not performers. If you are expecting a show performance you will be disappointed. The Mevlevi are practicing their worship with religious chants they are not doing a dancing music performance. You are simply paying for the guides to transfer you to the site of ceremony and inform you. I bet very little to none of the proceeds are going to the Mevlevi religious practitioners. So if that’s what you are looking for please save them the disrespect of walking out in the middle of their worship session and do not book it. This ceremony was completely authentic. I am Turkish and me and my family thoroughly enjoyed this unusual and rare experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_a
Oct 16, 2025
Unique Cultural Experience - A unique cultural experience for those visiting Cappadocia. The setting in an old monastery is what made this worthwhile. It would not have been the same had it been in some ordinary venue. A few things to know before deciding if you should go…1) It is 20 + minute drive outside Goereme. 2) You sit on benches with no back, but it is just an hour, so it was fine. 3) You get a brochure explaining what the Dervishes are doing, but unless you get there early enough to read it, you have no understanding of what and why they are doing what they do. I would suggest doing some reading before you arrive in Cappadocia. This would have made the experience more meaningful. 4) The WORST part was the driver, who drove exceedingly fast , upwards of 90 + mph. The pickup time was too close to the start of the show and he drove dangerously fast, getting us there about 5 minutes before the start of the show. I would not say this is a “Must See” but if you have the time, it is a worthwhile experience.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_m
Aug 5, 2025
Mesmerizing ceremony - This was a lovely ceremony. Beautiful music and singing with mesmerizing Whirling dervishes. Beautiful grounds and fun photo ops in Beautiful room at the end. Great history being on the grounds where camels stopped to trade goods on the Silk Road.
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Connie_r
Jun 10, 2025
Ritual not dance - This is not a dance or performance. It is a spiritual ritual with a serious tone. If you can get into that you will enjoy it.
Review provided by Viator
From $70
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).