Sufis, known as whirling dervishes, seek to attain love and divine knowledge through a direct, personal connection with God. Sufism, often described as the mystical aspect of Islam, was traditionally viewed by Orientalist scholars as a spiritual movement that reached its peak (Nirvana) during the medieval era of Islamic history, highlighted by remarkable literary masterpieces in Arabic and Persian that remain cornerstones of Sufi tradition.
The Sufi whirling dervish ceremonies, or Sema, are performed alongside a unique musical form known as Ayin. This consists of four distinct sections featuring both vocal and instrumental pieces with varying rhythmic patterns, executed by at least a lead singer, a ney (flute) player, a kettledrummer, and a cymbalist.
Within the mevlevihanes, a type of spiritual retreat, participants undergo 1,001 days of intensive, secluded training focused on ethics, conduct, and spiritual beliefs through practices such as prayer, devotional music, poetry, and dance. While they remain affiliated with the order, they return to their everyday lives, balancing spiritual devotion with secular responsibilities.
The performers begin to spin rapidly on their left foot, using their right foot to gently push their bodies around the pivot. The whirler's posture is meant to be fluid and relaxed, with eyes open but unfocused, allowing sensory impressions to dissolve and blend together.
In 2005, UNESCO recognized the Whirling Dervishes Ritual as an INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE under traditional performing arts and social practice categories.
Whirling Dervishes ceremonies are hosted in a 13th-century caravanserai named Saruhan, located in Cappadocia. These caravanserais served for centuries as safe roadside inns where travelers and their animals could rest. They played an essential role in supporting trade, communication, and travel throughout Asia, North Africa, and Southeastern Europe by connecting vast trade routes.
The performance starts at around 18:00 and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. The ceremony costs 50 Euros per person, including transportation to and from your hotel in Goreme, Uchisar, Cavusin, and Urgup. To maintain the performers’ concentration, children under 10 years old are not allowed to attend. Photography during the ceremony is limited, but attendees are given some time afterwards to take pictures.
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• Pick-up from your hotel
• Drive to the ceremony place
• 1 hour ceremony
• Drop-off at your hotel
Pick-up from your hotel
Transportation with luxury vehicles
1 hour ceremony
Drop-off to your hotel
Drinks
Optional tips to the drivers
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Once we receive your deposit , we will confirm your reservation and email you the travel voucher within 1 business day. The balance due can be paid at any time before to arrival – or you can pay after the balloon flight in our balloon office.
To confirm this itinerary, please provide us with the details of your hotel in Cappadocia so that we may arrange a pick-up/drop-off service. All hotels in Cappadocia qualify for complimentary pick-up/drop-off services.
Below is the general guideline for our cancellation policy if your agent does not mention otherwise:
Cancellation Policy for Whirling Dervishes Ceremony:
If you cancel 48 hours before the balloon flight, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 48 hours to 24 hours before the ride, we will charge 50% cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 24 hours of the flight , we will charge the full amount as cancellation fee.
We cannot give any refund on no-shows for the flights.