If you thought the Hare Krishnas or the Harlem congregations were the only religious orders to celebrate their faith through music and movement, think again.Those sultans of spiritual spin known as the ‘whirling dervishes’ have been twirling their way to a higher plane ever since the 13th century and show no sign of slowing down soon.The Mevlevi tarika (order), founded in Konya during the 13th century, flourished throughout the Ottoman Empire. Like several other orders, the Mevlevis stressed the unity of humankind before God regardless of creed. Taking their name from the great Sufi mystic and poet, Celaleddin Rumi (1207–73), called Mevlana (Our Leader) by his disciples, Mevlevis seek to achieve mystical communion with God through a sema (ceremony) involving chants, prayers, music and a whirling dance.
Dervish orders were banned in the early days of the Turkish republic because of their ultraconservative religious politics. Although the ban has been lifted, only a handful of functioning tekkes (dervish lodges) remain in İstanbul, including this one. Konya remains the heart of the Mevlevi order.
Galata Mevlevihanesi in Istanbul (Whirling-Dervish Hall) was erected by a high officer in the court of Sultan Beyazıt II in 1491. It was part of a complex including dervish cells, sheik’s room, library, drinking fountain and kitchen. Its first şeyh (sheik) was Mohammed Şemai Chelebi, a grandson of the great Mevlana.
The building burned down in 1776, but was repaired that same year by Sultan Mustafa III. The building, which is currently closed for restoration, is fronted by a graveyard full of stones with graceful Ottoman inscriptions, including the tomb of Galip Dede, the 17th-century Sufi poet whom the street is named after. The shapes atop the stones reflect the headgear of the deceased, each hat denoting a different religious rank.
The ceremony was too long than I expected but there was a special occaison for that. Normally I remember from previous years that it lasted only 1/2 hours. This time it was more than one hour. Introduction speech was too long and unnecessary. It should have been only 2-3 minutes Turkish and 2-3 minutes English or brochures should have been distributed to the guests in several languages to save time. The location was very cold, but when the ceremony starts, you forget all issues and concentrate on the Whirling Dervishes. The historical building has a wonderful ceiling and also inside of it is so pieceful. The garden is so nice and historical tombs are worth to see.
There was a very neat graveyard on the north-west side and we enjoyed looking around there. Certain headstones had an interesting turban design on top of them, and others had very curious designs. While walking around, we were greeted by a particularly friendly, furry feline who kept us company. Inside the lodge, there were fascinating displays of some of the original instruments that were used to during the dances.
I had a chance to see whirling dervishes performing in Sarajevo several times so I did not get a chance to see them in Istanbul but I did visit museum part and enjoyed it a lot.
Sufism is something very mystical and unknown to people and while visiting this museum you can learn little bit about it. There are display cases with outfits dervish wear (different dervish orders), arts, literature, etc. If you never saw whirling dervishes definitely use chance to see it. It is an amazing experience!
It was interesting to know about a religious order and its relation to the empire. The museum is small but well care off. Take your time to walk the site and read the history of the site and customs. The visit can be combined to a visit to the Galata Tower. There are performances at 7 PM you have to check the schedule as it changes.
Located at the bottom end of Istiklal Caddessi, only seconds away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The museum provides and excellent insight into Sufiism and the grounds of the tekke (lodge) are an oasis of tranquility.
At 1700 every Sunday the dervishes perform their spiritual whirling dance (the sema). Tickets are only available on the day from about 1000 at the gate. Make sure you get a ticket early in the day as they soon sell out. A truly spiritual experience.
I wandered in here without having had any real intention to visit. What a pleasant surprise! The courtyard and well tended graveyard were an oasis of peace and calm to escape from the jostle of the crowds passing nearby. The recently renovated museum itself interesting and informative – most of the explanantions have been translated into an approxiamate but clear English.A good place to while away an hour and escape from the “madding crowd” Visited May-2011
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in İstanbul at Galata Museum/Tunel Every Sunday at 16:00
We coincidentally were at the Mevlevi Lodge on Easter Sunday. It was a wonderful hour spent away from the busy hustle of Istanbul’s shopping street.
I’m sure this is a very enjoyable place to visit; I only wish I had been able to. Their website says that they are open until 1700 hrs during the winter season. I arrived at 1545 hrs only to be told they’re closed.
Mevlevi was a great Persian poet who invented the Sema dance. This place is an old Sema training house which now turned into a museum.
It worth a visit, but you will get most out of it if you know more about Mevlevi and Dervished before visiting this place.