About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I've spent enough time tracking RevPAR and lead conversion rates to know when a "cultural experience" is just a high-occupancy tourist trap. Most of the industry is content selling you a staged show with flashy lights, but let’s be real—the Mevlevi Sema isn't supposed to be "entertainment" in the corporate sense. It's a raw, 800-year-old ritual that actually challenges the way we view our own existence. While most agencies focus on filling seats, I've always felt that if you don't understand the philosophy behind the dervish's tombstone hat, you’re just watching people spin in circles. At Tour Comp, we prefer to look past the glitz; this ceremony at Hoca Rüstem Medrese is one of those rare moments where the spirit of Rumi actually feels tangible, rather than just another line item on a travel itinerary.
About the Tour
Located in the historic Hoca Rüstem Medrese, this ceremony offers a deep dive into the heart of Sufism. The Whirling Dervishes follow a mystic tradition of Islam that dates back to the 12th century, sparked by the teachings of Mevlana Jelaleddini Rumi. Rumi’s philosophy of "pure love" has resonated across centuries and borders—so much so that his poetry has frequently topped best-seller lists in the USA.
The Path of the Student
In the heyday of the Mevlevi Monasteries, becoming a dervish wasn't as simple as booking a ticket. While Rumi famously welcomed everyone, the initiation process was rigorous. Potential students were given "challenging tasks" to prove their devotion. They spent years working in kitchens, cleaning the sanctuary, and performing manual labor. Only after mastering these humble duties were they permitted to study the order. Whirling is the final act, representing their full acceptance into the fold.
The Philosophy of the Whirl
To a Mevlevi follower, whirling is not just a dance—it is a way to align oneself with the universe. The order believes that all creation exists in a state of whirling:
- The Cosmos: The rotation of planets and the transition of seasons (summer to winter).
- The Human Body: The circulation of blood through the veins.
- The Cycle of Life: The movement from day to night, and life to death.
By whirling, the dervish seeks to be in perfect harmony with the rest of creation.
Symbols and Costumes
Every element of the ceremony is steeped in symbolism. Nothing is chosen for "aesthetic" alone:
- Black Cloaks: Represent the tomb or worldly life.
- White Robes: Symbolize birth or the shroud of the ego.
- The Sikke (Tall Hat): Represents the tombstone of the ego.
As the dervishes shed their black cloaks, they are symbolically reborn into the truth. This performance at the Medrese provides a rare opportunity to witness this transition in a setting that honors the gravity of the Mevlevi tradition.
Highlights
- Witness an extraordinary dance performance with a history dating back 800 years.
- Observe the miraculous whirling dervishes and delight in a fantastic repertoire.
- Acquire knowledge about the spiritual journey of Mevlevi Sema.
Know before you go
- You need to be at hall 15 minutes before show starts