Hodjapasha Dervish Ceremony in Istanbul 17:00 PM

• Tickets cannot be amended or canceled once booked !!!
• Children Under 7 years of age are not allowed !!!
• Photography is not allowed !!!
• Please be available at the theater 30 minutes before the show time…
• Important Notice: Latecomers are allowed to enter the Sema session first 10 minutes to allow for a peaceful ceremony.
• Booking of visitors who come later than 15 minutes is regarded as a no-show and the ticket price will not be refunded !!!
• The Theater is not Suitable for Wheelchairs ..
• Don’t Take a Photo !!!
• Extra days can be added Upon Request. Please see our Program Calendar !!!

Do This Because ;

•  See the awe-inspiring traditional Sema ceremony that dates back over 800 years …..
•  Step into a restored Ottoman Turkish bath…
•  Learn the fascinating history behind this mystical Sufi Ritual…

 

Content ;

 

Introduction Video: 5 Mins
Sufi Music Concert: 10 Mins
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (SEMA): 45 Mins

Booking Fee ;

 

Good News!  No Extra Fees are Applied to this booking.

 

Ticket Fee ; 

 

• Adult: 1000 TL
• Retired and Student: 550 TL
• Group Discounts are Applied to Agencies and Institutions

The Sema ceremony is a spiritual ritual performed by the Mevlevi Sufi order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, which originated from the followers of the Persian poet and mystic Rumi (Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi). The ceremony is a deeply symbolic act of devotion and remembrance of God, involving music, dance, and specific garments. Here’s a breakdown of all the parts of the Sema ceremony and what they symbolize:

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🔷 1. Naat-i Sharif and Taksim (Praise and Tuning)

• Naat-i Sharif: A poetic eulogy to the Prophet Muhammad, usually written by Rumi. It sets the spiritual tone.

• Taksim: A solo improvisation on the ney (reed flute). It symbolizes the soul’s longing to reunite with its source — God.

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🔷 2. Devr-i Veled (Processional Walk)

• The dervishes walk in a slow circle three times, bowing to each other.

• It represents the soul’s journey through knowledge and love, and their respectful salutation to each other as mirrors of God.

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🔷 3. The Sema Proper (The Whirling)

This is the main part of the ceremony, divided into four “Selams” (salutations or movements). The dervishes begin to whirl, turning from right to left, with one hand raised to the sky and the other pointed toward the earth — symbolizing receiving divine grace and distributing it to the world.

🌀 First Selam:

• Represents the awareness of God’s greatness.

• The dervish realizes he is a servant of God.

🌀 Second Selam:

• The dervish experiences the rapture of God’s greatness.

• Love for all creation grows, as everything is a reflection of God.

🌀 Third Selam:

• A deeper spiritual intoxication and annihilation of the self (fana).

• The ego disappears in divine love.

🌀 Fourth Selam:

• Represents the return to service, as a complete human who serves without ego.

• The dervish returns to society, now spiritually enlightened.

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🔷 4. Reading of the Quran (Qur’an Tilawat)

• Verses from the Quran are recited, often about God’s mercy and creation.

• This grounds the ceremony in Islamic tradition and spirituality.

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🔷 5. Closing Prayer and Greeting (Dua and Selam)

• The ceremony ends with a prayer for peace, humanity, and blessings on all prophets.

• Dervishes greet each other and the audience.

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🧥 Symbolism of Clothing

• Black cloak (hırka): Worn at the beginning, symbolizes the grave and ego.

• White gown (tennure): Revealed when they remove the cloak, represents the soul’s purity.

• Tall hat (sikke): Symbolizes the tombstone of the ego.

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✨ Summary Meaning

The Sema ceremony is a spiritual ascent of the soul toward truth, followed by a return to serve creation. It’s about love, surrender, and unity with the divine.

 

Contact : Hakan HACIBEKIROGLU
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