Galata Mevlevi Museum
Galata Mevlevi Museum
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
With its historical Main Door, Galata Mevlevi Lodge awaits you at one end of İstiklal Street of Beyoğlu, and to the left at the beginning of Galip Dede Street. This lodge would be referred to as Galata or Kulekapısı Mevlevi Lodge or Galip Dede Tekke, during the Ottoman era. It was established in 1491 and represents the most important Ottoman works in Beyoğlu along with Galata Palace School. In 1975, it was opened to visitors as Divan Literature Museum before it was reorganized as Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum in 2011.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Beyoglu
Istanbul’s most famous street, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), throbs day and night and offers a fantastic array of architectural sights, shops, treats, and throngs upon teeming throngs of people. At the avenue’s northeastern end is expansive Taksim Square, thought by many to be the very heart of the city, with many of Turkey’s most renowned restaurants and some of Europe’s most happening nightlife in close proximity. In striking contrast, Beyoglu’s less trafficked areas – such as the affluent Cihangir and the antiques district of Cukurcuma – exude Old World charm and provide contemplative calm and splendid diversion via an assortment of cozy cafes, attractive boutiques, and quiet lanes.
How to get there
- Şişhane • 3 min walk
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4.5
244 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
87
Average
25
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Frank D
Slidell, LA1,361 contributions
July 2022
The Galata Mevlevi House Museum, or tekke, is a widely known and authentic Mevlevi Whirling Dervish hall. Now a museum, this was a dervish lodge in the Ottoman era. This was the first Mawlawi dervish lodge established within the boundaries of today's Istanbul in 1491. The museum features rooms with scenes of what it may have looked like as prominent historic figures of the order worked. Displays also include calligraphy, music, clock making, and other arts and crafts. Tombs of the prominent are also present on the property as well as a cemetery and gravestones of the somewhat less prominent.
This was a lovely, quiet place within the business of the area. There were no lines to get in - possibly a lack of general interest? The entry fee is included with the Istanbul Museum Pass. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to attend the weekly Sema Ceremony (limited attendance and NOT included with the Museum Pass).
This was a lovely, quiet place within the business of the area. There were no lines to get in - possibly a lack of general interest? The entry fee is included with the Istanbul Museum Pass. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to attend the weekly Sema Ceremony (limited attendance and NOT included with the Museum Pass).
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shadabing
26 contributions
June 2023 • Family
We went to this to respect culture, learn from it and appreciate a historical tradition. But they made it arduous. We're not there as scholars... we're tourists. The show says "no photogrphy, NO CLAPPING, no exiting." And the tradition is interesting for a little but it's very repetative and put several people to sleep. Yes, they actually were sleeping. The show needs a host who talks the audiance through stuff and brings dimension to this experience. But right now it's not designed to share a culture experience with tourists... but to torture them. The only reason i give 3 stars is to respect the performers who have the respect for their culture and history and honor it.
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TubaKoseogluOkcu
Istanbul, Türkiye6,634 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
This is the first lodge of Mevlevi dervishes in Istanbul and it dates back to 15th century. Of course the building went through various renovations throughout the centuries but the essential is not the building here anyway. The museum exhibits inside give an idea of how the life of dervishes was, their rituals and objects. The room where the Sema (the whirling ceremony) takes place is spectacular. There is also a cemetery inside where the dervishes are buried.
The museum pass is valid here. Though the museum officially closes at 6:30 pm, if there are few people around, the staff closes the doors towards 6 pm which has been the case when we were there
The museum pass is valid here. Though the museum officially closes at 6:30 pm, if there are few people around, the staff closes the doors towards 6 pm which has been the case when we were there
Written 22 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arslan S
United Kingdom15 contributions
June 2020 • Couples
It was my first ever experience to witness whirling dervish ceremony. And i must admit it was mesmerizing. Its a purpose built facility and above the hall is well kept museum of sufi heritage. The ticket is not cheap but its totally worth it.
Note: Its a remake of a religious ceremony and not entertainment. I encourage everyone to visit while at Istaklal street. Its offered on selected days of the week, so do check on google or their website. Be there in advance as the que becomes long quite quickly. And try to get a seat on sides (right or left) of the hall avoiding the pillar in front.
Note: Its a remake of a religious ceremony and not entertainment. I encourage everyone to visit while at Istaklal street. Its offered on selected days of the week, so do check on google or their website. Be there in advance as the que becomes long quite quickly. And try to get a seat on sides (right or left) of the hall avoiding the pillar in front.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
veciaf53
Reggio Emilia, Italy1,912 contributions
Oct 2019
At the very beginning of Galipdede Caddesi, near the exit from the Tunel, is the Galata Mevlevi Lodge: this is not the original building, destroyed several times by fires, but a reconstruction: the current appearance is quite modern.
It is a museum dedicated to the Islamic Sufi Mevlevi sect (Whirling Dervisces). Sufism represents the esoteric side of Islam and the Mevlevi brotherhood is one of the Sufist currents, founded in the 13th century.
Beyond the gate and the ticket office, there is a cemetery, a covered fountain, a garden (with lots of cats) and a building that houses the museum and a circular hall for the dance.
The collection is divided into a few rooms: in one a video illustrates the technique of dance, other rooms show the shapes of hats: different and progressively more complex shapes correspond to an increasingly higher rank within the sect; the musical instruments used and many artifacts and documents from the long history of this sect are also preserved.
Travelers who have visited Istanbul for centuries have been struck and have narrated the rites of the Dervishes, who in Istanbul have rooted significantly, becoming a kind of religious order that also presided over Ottoman ceremonies.
The complex of ritual gestures consists of a particular dance: with one hand turned to the sky and the other towards the earth, the white dresses that widen due to swirling pirouettes, accompanied by the sound of the repetitive and hypnotic melody of a flute. All this in order to reach, through a mystical trance, a more direct contact with Allah.
A visit to the museum is highly recommended: it offers a glimpse of Istanbul difficult to find elsewhere (many restaurants offer a show, but it’s another story) it deserves to be included in a Galata tour.
Every Sunday, in the afternoon, the ceremony takes place in a room of the museum (takes about 1 hour).
It is a museum dedicated to the Islamic Sufi Mevlevi sect (Whirling Dervisces). Sufism represents the esoteric side of Islam and the Mevlevi brotherhood is one of the Sufist currents, founded in the 13th century.
Beyond the gate and the ticket office, there is a cemetery, a covered fountain, a garden (with lots of cats) and a building that houses the museum and a circular hall for the dance.
The collection is divided into a few rooms: in one a video illustrates the technique of dance, other rooms show the shapes of hats: different and progressively more complex shapes correspond to an increasingly higher rank within the sect; the musical instruments used and many artifacts and documents from the long history of this sect are also preserved.
Travelers who have visited Istanbul for centuries have been struck and have narrated the rites of the Dervishes, who in Istanbul have rooted significantly, becoming a kind of religious order that also presided over Ottoman ceremonies.
The complex of ritual gestures consists of a particular dance: with one hand turned to the sky and the other towards the earth, the white dresses that widen due to swirling pirouettes, accompanied by the sound of the repetitive and hypnotic melody of a flute. All this in order to reach, through a mystical trance, a more direct contact with Allah.
A visit to the museum is highly recommended: it offers a glimpse of Istanbul difficult to find elsewhere (many restaurants offer a show, but it’s another story) it deserves to be included in a Galata tour.
Every Sunday, in the afternoon, the ceremony takes place in a room of the museum (takes about 1 hour).
Written 29 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerard P
New Jersey4 contributions
Sept 2019
This former tekke (whirling dervish lodge) is both a museum and one of four Istanbul venues I am aware of to see a whirling dervish performance. To get the most out of the experience, you should really visit the museum before witnessing the performance, which in the summer takes place at 5 p.m. on Sunday and at the time I went (Sept 2019) cost 100 TL. Tickets for the museum and dervish performance are NOT sold at the same location. Tickets for the museum (I think it was 45 TL) are sold at a kiosk inside the grounds ... walk in from the street, pass an information office on the right, keep going and you will see the kiosk on your right. Tickets for the sema (dervish ceremony) are sold by a man seated at a small table on the sidewalk in front of the main entrance to the museum beginning 11 a.m. - noon on Sunday. If you arrive very early, before the sema tickets go on sale, you can visit the Galata stone tower (as you face the museum entrance, turn right and walk downhill, you will see it) and/or eat at a good restaurant called Güney 1964 located very near the base of the tower. If you don't want to tour the actual museum (which I think is a big mistake), you can simply walk around the beautiful, peaceful grounds without purchasing a museum ticket. The grounds feature a couple of tombs and a small cemetery where former tekke members are interred. One of the tombs was open at the time of my visit, if you go inside, you should leave your shoes outside (ladies should probably wear a headscarf) and be aware that people might be praying inside. The entrance to the performance space is straight ahead as you walk in from the street, you should be there by 4:30 p.m. to get a front row seat, which is highly advisable (be aware that all front row seats are not great ... some have a pillar in front that will block your view). As I was very early, before any line had formed, I simply went in with my ticket and sat down, and someone collected the ticket later. You will also get a brochure that explains the basics of the ceremony. Photography (no flash) is allowed at this venue. The ceremony lasts an hour and after some preliminaries includes 4 separate short sessions of whirling. Be aware that this is an abbreviated version of the "real" ceremony that would take up to 3 hours. I did not have a chance to do it, but I believe an organization called Les Arts Turcs in Istanbul sells tickets to the fuller 3 hour version. I also attended the ceremony at Hodjapasha Cultural Center, which has a smaller space for the dervishes (5 at Hodjapasha vs 10 or so at Galata Mevlevi Museum), but at Hodjapasha you can purchase some dervish-related items that are not available for sale at the Museum ... no museum shop there. You can read additional reviews for more details of the actual ceremony. Be aware that this is a religious ceremony, not entertainment staged for tourists, so if you are looking for entertainment, you probably should skip this. It is likely you will find it boring, silly, pointless, repetitive, etc. For those interested in Rumi, Sufi Islam, Turkish culture, etc., however, it is a must-see. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough viewing of all the museum exhibits.
Written 8 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Propaganda_Machine
Trstenik, Croatia1,220 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
On the recommendation of our guide, we wanted to experience the Whirling Dervishes. There is a weekly performance on a Sunday at 5pm at the Mevlevi Museum, which is just off the end of the main İstiklal Caddesi, close to the Şişhane metro stop and the top end of the Tünel funicular railway at Beyoğlu. The concierge at our hotel obtained tickets for us, which cost 70TRY/15GBP each.
The first thing to say is that while many of the audience are tourists, this is not some kind of tourist show thrown together purely for entertainment. The performance forms an integral part of a religious service and you have to experience the whole service to be able to put the whirling component into context and understand its significance. The ceremony builds from a near silent, motionless beginning through several precise stages – each with its own importance and meaning – to the rhythmic movement that is known as whirling. Everything in the ceremony is laden with symbolism and is about transition, a representation of our journey through life and the desire to gain a meaningful understanding of our own existence.
Seats are provided and the whole thing takes around 50 minutes. From inception to finish it is the most beautiful, intimate and spiritual experience. What you see in front of you is wonderful but what you feel is uplifting and reflective; as the service precisely shifts through its stages, it is hard not to be moved emotionally and many of the audience – me included – were moved to tears, an example of wajd (a physical manifestation of the spiritual experience).
To see the female narrator show such deference to the building itself was graceful. If you’re a female, please bring a headscarf to wear once you’re inside; it isn’t mandatory and no one will complain but it shows respect for another religion. When we were there, my partner was the only female tourist to wear one and I know it allowed her to feel more a part of what she was watching.
Apart from the visual appeal of the sama, the emotional appeal is something special; humbling and inspiring in equal measure. As another reviewer incisively observed, he left feeling cleansed. If you are spiritual and/or religious, this is an opportunity to refresh your belief, to encourage contemplation and to remind you of the power of love in life.
The first thing to say is that while many of the audience are tourists, this is not some kind of tourist show thrown together purely for entertainment. The performance forms an integral part of a religious service and you have to experience the whole service to be able to put the whirling component into context and understand its significance. The ceremony builds from a near silent, motionless beginning through several precise stages – each with its own importance and meaning – to the rhythmic movement that is known as whirling. Everything in the ceremony is laden with symbolism and is about transition, a representation of our journey through life and the desire to gain a meaningful understanding of our own existence.
Seats are provided and the whole thing takes around 50 minutes. From inception to finish it is the most beautiful, intimate and spiritual experience. What you see in front of you is wonderful but what you feel is uplifting and reflective; as the service precisely shifts through its stages, it is hard not to be moved emotionally and many of the audience – me included – were moved to tears, an example of wajd (a physical manifestation of the spiritual experience).
To see the female narrator show such deference to the building itself was graceful. If you’re a female, please bring a headscarf to wear once you’re inside; it isn’t mandatory and no one will complain but it shows respect for another religion. When we were there, my partner was the only female tourist to wear one and I know it allowed her to feel more a part of what she was watching.
Apart from the visual appeal of the sama, the emotional appeal is something special; humbling and inspiring in equal measure. As another reviewer incisively observed, he left feeling cleansed. If you are spiritual and/or religious, this is an opportunity to refresh your belief, to encourage contemplation and to remind you of the power of love in life.
Written 9 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moviegeekjn
Phoenix, AZ2,355 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
A previous visit to Istabul fell during Ramadan, so I missed seeing the Sema that is done late Sunday afternoon. So this was my #1 priority this time since I admire the poet Rumi and feel a connection with Sufism.
I have seen other whirling dervish performances, but this was the most authentic I've seen so far. Their printed program outlined the various parts of the ceremony in a relatable way, and the space is significantly large enough for several dancers. Most welcome is the fact that the audience is far enough away that photos and simple videos are permitted.
It is best to arrive at least a half hour before the performance to get a front row seat. No reservations but you can purchase tickets at the museum beginning noon on Saturd as y to ensure you can get in.
The museum itself is well worth checking out if you are interested in the Sufi. Displays illustrate much about the customs and culture of the sect.
I have seen other whirling dervish performances, but this was the most authentic I've seen so far. Their printed program outlined the various parts of the ceremony in a relatable way, and the space is significantly large enough for several dancers. Most welcome is the fact that the audience is far enough away that photos and simple videos are permitted.
It is best to arrive at least a half hour before the performance to get a front row seat. No reservations but you can purchase tickets at the museum beginning noon on Saturd as y to ensure you can get in.
The museum itself is well worth checking out if you are interested in the Sufi. Displays illustrate much about the customs and culture of the sect.
Written 1 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adz_702
Johannesburg, South Africa543 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
This was one of my highlights of Turkey, seeing this incredible lodge of Rumi and the founding of Sufism and the Whirling Dervishes. The museum is incredible and is a must see with the museum pass is free. It is very fascinating... Please also make sure that you attend this authentic WHirling Dervish show that happens once a week only, on a Sunday evening. Make you sure you wake up early and buy tickets by 10 am because they sell out fast. More importantly, is that you line up for the show an hour before it starts to guarantee a good seat. Bring umbrellas! The show starts at 5pm, so queue from 4pm. The best seats are on your left when you go the octave room. Grab fron row seats but NOT by the minaret, because they will chase you away.
Written 6 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkWendover2013
Wendover, UK106 contributions
My wife and I thought we'd try to get tickets to see the Whirling Dervishes whilst in Istanbul
You can get tickets for TL40 per person from outside of the Mevlevi museum on the last Sunday of each month (tickets available from 10am and it's cash only)
The show starts at 5pm but if you want a front row seat to guarantee the best view of the Dervishes then get there when gates open at 4.30pm
You can take photos during the show (which lasts one hour) but to show some respect for the dancers, turn off your flash and put your digital SLR on silent - there were too many people in the audience snapping away very loudly as if they were paparazzi - this was very off-putting to others in the audience
It's quite an emotional and spiritual event if you're happy to be separated from your phone and camera for an hour - to get the best out of the show, sit still, sit quietly and just watch the spectacle - really magical!
You can get tickets for TL40 per person from outside of the Mevlevi museum on the last Sunday of each month (tickets available from 10am and it's cash only)
The show starts at 5pm but if you want a front row seat to guarantee the best view of the Dervishes then get there when gates open at 4.30pm
You can take photos during the show (which lasts one hour) but to show some respect for the dancers, turn off your flash and put your digital SLR on silent - there were too many people in the audience snapping away very loudly as if they were paparazzi - this was very off-putting to others in the audience
It's quite an emotional and spiritual event if you're happy to be separated from your phone and camera for an hour - to get the best out of the show, sit still, sit quietly and just watch the spectacle - really magical!
Written 30 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadiia Chursina
Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine
Как забронировать билет Онлайн на представление в 17:00? И сколько стоит это представление?
Written 8 March 2020
I’ve read that the ticket for the Sema ceremony in the Mevlevi museum can be bought online in advance. Can you please share the website? Or if I just go ahead and buy the ticket on the day, should I expect a long line to buy it?
Thank you
Written 18 October 2019
I just bought the ticket in person on Sunday a bit after noon for the 5 p.m. ceremony. There was no line.
Written 19 October 2019
Wo kann ich online 3 Karten für wirbelnde Derwische im Museum kaufen ! DANKE
Written 12 September 2019
there is no relied website to shop tickets for the show you have to go to the museum in the morning buy the tickets and then return before 5 pm to attend the show . note that the show takes place only in sunday .
Written 17 September 2019
Sightsee172884
London, United Kingdom
Ive read from a travel book that the Whirling Devishes Dance is only during the last sunday of each month.. Is it still true or do they perform all all sundays of each month?
Written 21 April 2019
They perform on most Sundays, to the best of my knowledge. But if there is a special occasion, they may not perform -- I know they didn't do so last year during Ramadan.
Note: some of the same people who perform here also may perform some nights at the daily dance at the cultural center.
Written 21 April 2019
Подскажите пожалуйста, по воскресеньям в какое время шоу Дервишей, его стоимость, и можно ли там купить museum pass?
Written 13 April 2019
It's better to buy the pass elsewhere. I am not sure they sell it at this museum.
The dervishes at 5 pm on Sunday,
Written 14 April 2019
Is the Whirling Dervishes performance only on Sundays at 5PM? And when do tickets become available? Will tickets be available on the day before, Saturday, to purchase?
Written 14 February 2019
Nosotros las compramos el domingo por la mañana, ya que estábamos pasando el domingo en esa parte de Estambul. Había un señor en la puerta sentado en una mesa vendiendo las entradas.
Written 14 February 2019
Hola! La danza solo tiene lugar los domingos?
Written 10 October 2018
En este monasterio si, a las cinco de la tarde. Pero cerca del Palacio de Topkapi hay otro sitio que lo hacen casi todos los días. En hodjsoasha Cultural Center, puede entrar en su página y reservar
Written 11 October 2018
Hello, I hope I.a to travel to Istanbul for a short break of 5-6 days, with family, in September 2018. We would very much like to see the 'Sema' at the museum. Are there any confirmed dates or timetable? And can we book to attend there or in advance?
Written 18 August 2018
Hello
There are 3 sema' in Istanbul. The one at the Mevlevihanesi near Galata tower has a sema' on sunday afternoons (maybe other times too. Check their website). And you cannot make reservations.
Written 18 August 2018
Hola específicamente , hay presentaciones, donde es . se puede reservar. como se llama el espectáculo ??
Written 25 July 2018
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