Discover Spiritual Grace: Pamukkale's Mesmerizing Dervish Ceremony

Experience the mesmerizing Pamukkale Dervish Show, a spiritual journey of whirling, prayers, and rituals that captivate the senses and showcase the beauty of mysticism.

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Overview

Participate in an amazing and thrilling cultural experience and get to know the tradition and culture of Dervishes. Pamukkale Dervish Show is a great opportunity to experience from first-hand the history, the music and the dances of the Dervishes and unfold their secrets. This excursion is the perfect option for those who wish to enjoy an evening full of cultural elements and for those who are interested in folklore tradition. The Dervishes Ceremony is a famous attraction as it includes impressive costumes, a mysterious atmosphere and many more.

This memorable excursion starts during the evening. A comfortable vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and drive you towards the place where the ceremony takes place. Pamukkale Dervishes Ceremony takes place at the village of Karahayit which is not very far. Once you enter the building you will be amazed by the flawless mystical atmosphere, as mysticism is one of the main features of Dervishes.

In fact, Dervishes are Sufi Muslim Ascetics who are characterized by their extreme poverty and austerity. Their main focus is to reach God by deserting their ego and through physical performance. Dervishes are commonly associated with supernatural powers as it is believed that they can do miracles due to their connection with God.

During your experience, you will have the chance to enjoy one hour show of Mevlevi Sema Ceremony. This ceremony is a symbolization of the stages that Dervishes are passing through in order to reach God, which is the ultimate stage and purpose of their life. The ceremony usually starts with a prayer to the Prophet Mohammed which is followed by a solo. Right after that, the head Dervish shows the places where the Dervishes should go and then the Circling of Veled starts. This stage symbolizes the resurrection from the grave.

The Dervish’s cloak symbolized the grave and the hat symbolizes the gravestone. During the next stage, Dervishes gradually remove their cloak which is a symbolization of their spiritual freedom. During the ceremony, you will be impressed by the magical atmosphere which contains religious and spiritual elements. In fact, the Dervishes participating in the show are going through an intensive training and spiritual enhancement I order to acquire the desirable skills.

Once the 1-hour show is over, a vehicle will be waiting in order to transfer you back. The memorable and unique experience ends once you arrive back to your hotel full of positive emotions and great memories from the Dervishes Ceremony.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1, Child x 0

Adult

Age 11-25+

Child

Age 5-10

Excursion Itinerary

Pamukkale
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 20 Min.

The Pamukkale Dervish Show takes place during the evening. A comfortable vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and drive you towards the place where the ceremony takes place.


Karahayıt, Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye
Visit, Traditional dance show,
Duration: 45 Min.

The Dervishes, known for their mystical and austere lifestyle, perform a one-hour ceremony symbolizing the journey to spiritual freedom and union with God, featuring prayer, symbolic costumes.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 20 Min.

Once the one-hour show ends, a comfortable vehicle will be waiting for you to tqake you back to your hotel.


Pamukkale
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Witness the mystical whirling dance of the iconic Pamukkale Dervishes.
  • Immerse yourself in a spiritual ceremony filled with symbolism and tradition.
  • Feel the serenity and awe of this captivating ancient Sufi ritual.
  • Discover the Dervishes' journey to spiritual freedom and union with God.
  • Experience the enchanting atmosphere of mysticism and soulful prayer.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Entrance to the Dervish Show
  • Professional guide assistance
  • Comfortable round-trip transfers from your hotel
  • Air-conditioned transportation

Not Included

  • Personal Spendings

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People over 95 years

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Smoking indoors

Important Information

What to Bring

Camera
Comfortable clothes

Information Before Booking

  • The show is suitable for all ages and families are welcome.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off times may vary; ensure accurate details are provided during booking.
  • Modest clothing is recommended to respect the cultural and spiritual nature of the ceremony.
  • The show lasts approximately one hour, including time for seating arrangements.

Know Before You Go

  • Make your reservation in advance to secure your spot, as seats may be limited.
  • Ensure your contact details are correct for smooth coordination of transfers.
  • Inform the booking team of any mobility issues or special requirements.
  • Arrive at the meeting point or be ready for pick-up at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

4.8/5

12
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 1  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Host or Greeter

English, Turkish

Pickup Optional

We have hotel transfer service from Pamukkale and Karahayıt Hotels

Location

Pamukkale Türkiye

Book Today And Save Up To 20%

From €20

€16

per person

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Highlighted reviews from other travelers

MARGARITA SHIRSHOVA - United States of America
05 November 2024

Liked everything during the show. Booked online, fast communication, very easy. Well done guys, customer service rocks! The company made everything easy for us, with transfers and everything. The show itself is one of the best things to do when in Pamukkale. It’s so interesting with multiple elements and parts. Defo a value for money!! My friend and I really liked the performance and I think is a good way to spend an evening. I was amazed by the costumes. they look like they are from a different period. I forgot to take a camera and I regret it now. Recommended!

Olga Arhipopva - Russia
07 October 2024

That was unbelievable! It’s incredible how they managed to preserve such an amazing tradition. I give to this show 5 stars. Everything was perfect. Booked many tours with this company and they are the best. Thank you for everything! Dervishes have an amazing story to tell and with this performance you get the whole package. From music, to dances, and from ideology to clothes. Simply wow. I have so many memories from that night and I think I will always remember what I got to witness. Do attend the show and you will remember my words. Fantastic!

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.8/5

Based on 12 Reviews

Guide

4.9/5

Transportation

4.7/5

Value for Money

4.8/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
M
MARGARITA SHIRSHOVA - United States of America
05 November 2024

Liked everything during the show. Booked online, fast communication, very easy. Well done guys, customer service rocks! The company made everything easy for us, with transfers and everything. The show itself is one of the best things to do when in Pamukkale. It’s so interesting with multiple elements and parts. Defo a value for money!! My friend and I really liked the performance and I think is a good way to spend an evening. I was amazed by the costumes. they look like they are from a different period. I forgot to take a camera and I regret it now. Recommended!

Helpful? Yes

O
Olga Arhipopva - Russia
07 October 2024

That was unbelievable! It’s incredible how they managed to preserve such an amazing tradition. I give to this show 5 stars. Everything was perfect. Booked many tours with this company and they are the best. Thank you for everything! Dervishes have an amazing story to tell and with this performance you get the whole package. From music, to dances, and from ideology to clothes. Simply wow. I have so many memories from that night and I think I will always remember what I got to witness. Do attend the show and you will remember my words. Fantastic!

Helpful? Yes

D
Donna OLeary - France
15 October 2024

eeply meaningful and well executed performance. Went with a friend of mine yesterday evening and by the end of the show we were overwhelmed with emotions. The acts are kind of symbolizing a different thing in dervishes’ ideology. So by the end you get this infamous whirling dance. That was our favourite part to be honest. Took many, many photos as every single performance was so spectacular. By the end of the night I was emotional, I don’t know, it makes you think of things differently. The agency was perfect also. We got transfers even though it wasn’t really far for the hotel. You should attend this show, it’s great.

Helpful? Yes

A
Alina Hanannova - United Kingdom
08 October 2024

If you wanna get the real Turkish culture, here you are!!! One of the most stunning things we’ve done on our holidays. The clothes of the dervishes even though simple create such a nice effect during the performance. It’s like having history, culture and tradition unfolding in front of your eyes. Went as a family and even the kids got excited, I wasn’t expecting that! The show it’s an absolute perfection and I couldn’t do anything else than applause at the end. I also wanna thank the company for the great service we received. I absolutely suggest this to all.

Helpful? Yes

M
Mariya Isxakova - Germany
15 July 2024

Joined last week with my sister and of course I recommend it! Everything was super. Such a great uplifting performance full of meanings and hidden messages. Our evening was so special because of this show and there were many people in the audience. Well, if you want to learn some things about the culture and history that’s the best alternative of sightseeing. You learn and get entertained at the same time. The company arranging our outing was very good. Found it online when checking for reviews/recommendations. You should try it also, trust me.

Helpful? Yes

G
Gulnara Zinattulina - Argentina
11 December 2024

Outstanding representation of the country’s culture. What I just saw was simply amazing. My parents were so impressed with the how. It’s so meaningful and immersive. At a point we all felt part of the ceremony. I recommend it to all, I think is such a nice way to see the culture of these people. About the company now. I also recommend it. Nice booking, no problems at all. They picked us up from the hotel on time. They offer excellent service. Never booked with them before but they are trusted and everything went well.

Helpful? Yes

M
Mohammed Falah Saleem - Jordan
08 October 2022

Perfection! That’s the word describing what we watch last night!! Booked several tours with this company and they recommended to attend this show, and they were right! All the elements make it truly spectacular and then you get a full bunch of emotions. Had a great evening attending the dervish show. Well I think the whole thing is very spiritual, very out of the box and very away from the ordinary. Definitely not a tourist trap so yes I suggest this super show. After all it’s a great option for a quiet and smooth night outing when in Pamukkale.

Helpful? Yes

N
Natell Wilson - United Kingdom
01 December 2023

Watch the show like 3 months ago and still have a very sweet memory about it. I’m not really into sightseeing and things like that but this show was something different. I can say that it works both ways. It is entertaining and it gives you an idea of the history and the culture. So yes anyone can attend and be satisfied at the end of the day. 100% value for money, totally worthy. My dad attended with me and he also liked it. The service we got was extremely good. Free transfers, comfy car, and quick communication. Overall I rate this show and this company with 5 stars.

Helpful? Yes

T
Toni Kay - United Kingdom
01 August 2022

Booked this with some friends, coz we found many positive feedbacks online. Very nice option. We liked it a lot. None of us knew about these people so it was like an introduction for us. I have to say they delivered a very good show, really impressive. We liked everything. Their clothes, their dance moves. Everything single move was carefully executed so the whole show is of very high quality. We all enjoyed and spent a lovely evening there. Recommended.

Helpful? Yes

S
Stephen Winspear - United Kingdom
18 July 2024

We had a delightful evening. This show is solid gold!! We’ve seen many pictures of this show as we were planning our holidays and booked immediately. The operator was very polite, we exchanged few WhatsApp massages and…done! The atmosphere of the show is really immersive. It’s like you escape from the reality for few hours. Personally I was impressed by the music and the dances. It’s very spiritual uplifting and relaxing at the same time. That was one of the best things I’ve done during my holidays in Pamukkale. Recommended to all!! Don’t miss it!!

Helpful? Yes

S
Shahriar Ahmed - United Kingdom
19 May 2023

Shahriar Ahmed Group Traveller Dervish show is spectacular. We got transfers with the price and everything was perfect. The place where the show takes place is just stunning. It was full of people, and now I can understand why. I honestly had no ideal about the whole dervishes thing, but now I’m really curious about their tradition. Every act is carefully presented, and holds a meaning. At the end of the show I was emotional but very calm and relaxed. They know exactly how to present the whole ideology behind this. Wow, it was superb. I strongly recommend this show. The perfec

Helpful? Yes

L
Lynn Sloan - United States of America
10 July 2024

Pamukkale Whirling Dervishes Ceremony ( i have to mention that it is not a show) was very informative and quite hypnotic. The place for the ceremony was in a circular theatre and was full of tourists ( so buy tickets online before going) Excursion Mania has free hotel transfer service in the region. The ceremony is great if you have some idea about Sufi mysticism and what devote men put themselves through to lose the ‘ego’. Everything takes place around 1 hour. Please remember that you can take pictures after the ceremony and also clapping is allowed as it is a religious ritual not a performance.

Helpful? Yes

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Select person

Adult

12y+

01
Children

2 - 12 years

01
Infant

Below 2 years

01
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