Hodjapasha Culture Centre: whirling dervish and Turkish dance shows
- Show and event venues
- Hocapaşa, Sirkeci
- Paid
Family hotels closest to Hodjapasha
Visitor information
| Type | Performance venue (in a 15th-century hamam) |
|---|---|
| Built | Hamam 15th century; culture centre 2008 |
| Neighbourhood | Hocapaşa, Sirkeci |
| Opening hours | Shows are usually in the evening; the programme changes by season |
| Admission | Paid; tickets vary by show and seat type. See the centre’s website for the current programme and prices. |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Getting there | T1 Sirkeci stop, 3 min walk |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 15 min walk (1 km) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Partly suitable. Strollers may not be allowed in the performance hall; ask at the entrance |
| Best time | In the evening, after a busy sightseeing day |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
A show in a historic hamam
The Hocapaşa Hamam was built in the years after the conquest and served for a long time as the neighbourhood bathhouse. After a thorough restoration, the domed hot room of the hamam was turned into a circular performance hall. The small size of the hall lets the audience watch the performance from very close.
What is the sema ceremony, and how should you watch it?
The sema is a ceremony of remembrance and worship performed by the Mevlevis, followers of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, who turn to the music of the ney flute and kudüm drums; it is on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The dervishes hold the right hand open upwards and the left hand turned down, meaning “what is received from God is given to the people”. Because the ceremony is regarded more as worship than as a show, it is watched in silence; taking photos and using flash during the ceremony is forbidden, and no applause is expected at the end.
Going to the show with children
The sema ceremony moves at a slow, calm rhythm and may feel long for small children. For school-age children, however, it is an unforgettable experience; briefly explaining the meaning of the sema beforehand increases their interest. The Turkish dance show is livelier and more colourful, so it appeals more to children. Ask the centre about age limits and children’s tickets.
Before and after the show
The centre is in the streets behind Sirkeci Station. Before the show you can stroll in Gülhane Park or watch the ferries come and go at Eminönü. You can return to hotels in Sultanahmet by tram (two stops) or with a 10–15-minute walk.
Visiting tips
- Buy your ticket in advance; the hall is small and fills up in busy periods.
- Do not take photos or talk during the sema ceremony; no applause is expected at the end.
- Arrive 15 minutes before the show; latecomers may not be admitted once the ceremony has started.
Our family hotels near Hodjapasha
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Hodjapasha: 23 min walk (1.6 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Hodjapasha: 23 min walk (1.6 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Sareban Hotel
Hodjapasha: 23 min walk (1.6 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Hodjapasha: 23 min walk (1.6 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
How long is the sema show at Hodjapasha?
Shows usually last between 1 and 1.5 hours. See the centre’s announcements for the current programme and times.
Can you take photos during the sema ceremony?
No. Because the sema is regarded as a religious ceremony, taking photos and using flash during it is forbidden; some venues allow a short photo moment after the ceremony.
