Whirling Dervishes, Istanbul

Whirling Dervishes, Istanbul: Our most recommended tours and activities

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema

Experience the Mevlevi Sema ritual at the Kizlaragasi Medrese in the heart of Istanbul, featuring captivating whirling dances and dervishes. Whirling Dervishes are following a Sufi mystic tradition of the religion Islam. In the 12th century, one of the philosophers of the religion Islam opened the path of pure love tradition and led to the Mevlevi Sufi Order´s creation. The name Mevlevi comes from the creator of the order Mevlana Jelaleddini Rumi. Once, his book Rumi was even a top seller in the USA. When it comes to the act of whirling, the followers have an exciting philosophy for the act. In the old days, when the Mevlevi Monasteries were still open, the teachers had to be accepted if someone wanted to be a student. The order´s creator, Mevlana, once said anyone who tried to follow the order to be a student is more than welcome to see the order. So, there was no negative answer for someone who wanted to enter the order in the school. In the initiation though, they were given challenging tasks to complete to show they have whatever it takes to be students. After working in the kitchens to cook for everyone, cleaning all the monastery daily, and doing lots of hard jobs in the sanctuary, they may start studying the order. Whirling is the final act to say that they are accepted in the order, but the real question is, what is the exact meaning of this act? Whirling means to be in harmony with the rest of the creation to them. According to the Mevlevi order, everything was created in the action of whirling, exactly like day and night, summer and winter, life and death, and even the blood in the veils. If you want to be in harmony with the rest of the creation, you have to be in the same form of action. Every costume that they use, any musical instrument during the performance, has a definite meaning. Black costumes, for instance, symbolize death, white ones mean birth, the long hats they are wearing symbolize tombstones of their ego, and so on.

Istanbul: Galata and Genoese Afternoon Walking Tour

Istanbul: Galata and Genoese Afternoon Walking Tour

Meet your guide and then begin your tour at the Galata Tower, a 14th-century landmark that offers great views of the city. Next, stroll through narrow streets lined with cafes. Then, see Galata Mevlevihanesi, a former dervish lodge. Learn about the history of this important Sufi order. Watch a traditional Sema ceremony if time allows it. Afterward, walk to the Galata Bridge, which connects with Eminonu. Take in the view of the Golden Horn, a harbor, and watch the fishing boats. Walk over the bridge to the Gonoese district, famous for markets, historical sites, and lively streets. View the Gonoese New Mosque and admire the Ottoman architecture of this 17th-century building, known for its interior with intricate tiles and calligraphy. Next, walk to the spice bazaar to see the display of spices, teas, and Turkish delights. Walk around all the stalls and buy some souvenirs. End the afternoon with a walking tour of the waterfront promenade. Appreciate a panoramic view of the Bosphorus and watch the ships sail by. Finally, finish up the tour and say goodbye to the guide.

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Show with Hotel Transfer

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Show with Hotel Transfer

For the culture vultures among you, a visit to see the Whirling Dervishes show is a must. The story behind these spiritual dances goes back to the late 13th Century, and relates to the spiritual master and poet, Mawlana Jalaladdeen Rumi, who has recently enjoyed great popularity in the US. Originating from Konya in Turkey, the Whirling Dervishes performances are organised by local and national non-profit groups including the Institute of Interfaith Dialog and the Raindrop Foundation. The newly renovated Hodjapasha Culture Center dates back to 550 years ago when it was originally a Turkish bath known as Hoca Pasa bath or Hoca Sinan Pasa bath. Built in the 1470s by the teacher and late vizier to Fatih Sultan Mehmet, incidentally named Hoca Sinan Pasa, the building housed a double bath for men and women. It was specially built with a high dome made of stone and corner walls designed like a peacock tail and the bath served its purpose until 1988. To enjoy a unique glimpse into Turkish history and culture and celebrate 800 years of Sufi tradition, experience the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony performed by the Sufi Group of Istanbul, Galata Mevlevileri.

From Istanbul: Best of Turkey 8 Days, 7 Nights Guided Tour

From Istanbul: Best of Turkey 8 Days, 7 Nights Guided Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul Arrival at Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Be transferred to your accommodation. Overnight in Istanbul Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Tour (Breakfast) Discover the highlights of Istanbul on a guided tour. Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome. Visit the Grand Bazaar for some shopping and bargain hunting. Overnight in Istanbul. Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia flight – Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast) Early-morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Transfer to your hotel on arrival. Start by visiting the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup which are the iconic symbol for the region. Descend into the Ozkonak Underground city. Head to Uchisar Rock Castle and take in panoramic views of the valleys of Cappadocia. Overnight stay in a cave hotel Day 4: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast) Discover the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia with spectacular rock formations in the Devrent Valley. Stop at Avanos, a center of terracotta artwork since 3000 BC. Watch a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. In the afternoon, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. Overnight stay in a cave hotel Day 5: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale (Breakfast – Dinner) Drive to Pamukkale early in the morning. Arrive in Konya, visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-famous mystic. Continue to Pamukkale and enjoy an overnight stay in a Thermal Hotel. Enjoy a swim in the hotel's rejuvenating thermal pools. Day 6: Pamukkale – Kusadasi (Breakfast – Dinner) In the morning, visit the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, white terraces, and travertines and pools. Travel to Kusadasi for an overnight stay. Day 7: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Istanbul by flight (Breakfast) Visit the Artemis Temple which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Ephesus ancient city. Visit the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus; the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater. After Ephesus, visit the Catholic shrine of the House of the Virgin Mary. Transfer to Izmir airport, flight back to Istanbul. Arrival to Istanbul, transfer to your hotel for the night Day 8: Departure from Istanbul (Breakfast) Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Depends upon flight availabilities , this program can be organised reverse. ( Istanbul - Ephesus - Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia ) Same places will be visited. Saturday arrivals : Istanbul tour will be at the end of the tour on Friday. Istanbul to Izmir flight will be on Day 2. Update for St. Sophia: Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia anymore. Guests have to have their smart phones and headphones. Headphones can be purchased at the cost of 3,5-USD. The system is similar to audio guide system. Guests who does not have smart phones will follow the signs and the given informations on the signs

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