Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi'nde Semazen Töreni
A Mevlevi lodge hidden in the heart of Beyoğlu.
Turn off the bustling streets of Beyoğlu and venture down a narrow alley, and you'll find a place often overlooked by guidebooks: the Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi. Established in the 1620s by Abdullah Dede, the sheikh of the Galata Mevlevihanesi, it is Istanbul's third Mevlevi lodge. Restored during the reign of II. Mahmud, it remained silent for a century after the closure of dervish lodges in 2025, and has now been reopened, faithfully restored to its original form.
Located within walking distance of the Galata Tower, yet completely removed from the crowds, this place is a true oasis in the heart of Istanbul, as TripAdvisor reviewers have described it. It thrives both in its architecture and its overall atmosphere.
It's not just a performance; it's a living tradition.
On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the Mevlevi lodge's whirling dervish hall opens at 5:00 PM. The "sema" is a spiritual journey initiated by Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi in the 13th century. In academic terms, the ceremony is called "mukabele," but it is commonly known among the public as a "sema performance," "sema ceremony," or "whirling dervish ceremony." All these terms refer to the same ritual. UNESCO added this ceremony to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.
You will learn why the dervishes spin, what the music represents, and what the symbolic clothing signifies. Then, accompanied by live Sufi music, the dervishes enter the hall and perform the traditional four "salams" while spinning.
This is not a staged performance. What the commentators repeatedly emphasize is that the venue is not "touristy": there are no special lighting effects, no applause, and the atmosphere is understated and simple.
Exhibitions and traditional arts workshops.
Before and after the ceremony, you can explore the Mevlevi Lodge's exhibition of Sufi artifacts and the Dervish Museum. On the upper floor, you'll find a gallery showcasing calligraphy, miniature paintings, and traditional Turkish arts. Here, you can see musical instruments, centuries-old manuscripts, and everyday items used by the dervishes.
Our foundation.
The Kasımpaşa Mevlevihane is operated by the Human and Wisdom Foundation. The foundation also operates the Sünbül Efendi Lodge, which is one of the oldest Sufi lodges in Istanbul. Our priority is to preserve this heritage in its authentic form, without turning it into a commercial spectacle.
What does it include?
A narrated whirling dervish ceremony.
Upper floor: Art gallery featuring contemporary and traditional arts.
Access to the exhibitions "Sufi Artworks" and "Dervish Belongings."
Highlights:
In a genuine Mevlevi lodge.
Elevator and accessibility features are available.
Multilingual information brochure (Turkish, English, Arabic, Persian).