| Duration :45 Mins (19:00 to 20:15) (approx.) |
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Highlights
Experience the spiritual cermeony of The Sema first hand
Learn about the history of this ritual from your private English-speaking guide
Enjoy luxury air-conditioned transportation to and from your hotel
Inclusions
- Pick up & drop off from all centrally located hotels in Cappadocia.
- Transportation with A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle throughout the trip.
- Professional tour guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
- A religious drink called Serbet
- Local taxes.
Exclusions
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Activity Info
The Sema (whirling dervishes) ceremony represents the mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through love and his search for truth and perfection. It is believed that once man has returned from his spiritual journey, he can love and be of service to all creatures surrounding him. Tonight, you have the opportunity to experience an authentic Cappadocian ceremony and witness an ancient Turkish ritual.
You will be collected from your accommodation in the Avanos, Goreme or Urgup area at approximately 21:00 and transported by luxury air-conditioned transport to the caravanserais, (caravan places). These abodes were built when trade across Turkey in medieval Seljuk times was dependent on camel trains. The buildings provided accommodation for the merchants and stabling for their animals. Today these ancient structures are the site of The Sema.
The ceremony lasts for one hour and during this time your friendly and professional English-speaking guide will talk you through the ceremony and introduce you to Serbet, a traditional religious libation. After a the performance, you will be transported back to your accommodation.
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Price Chart
Entrance
- Pick up & drop off from all centrally located hotels in Cappadocia.
- Transportation with A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle throughout the trip.
- We aim to respond to all travel requests within 12 hours.
- Clothing: Entrance to performance is not allowed to gentlemen and ladies with no proper outfit.
I found the performance of the Whirling Dervishes to be a spiritual and touching experience, viewed in the meaning of the sacred ritual…
Don’t expect a spectacular dance show. It’s a religuous and spiritual ceremony. It’s well worth a visit if your interested in learning more about the culture and the derwishes ceremony and are willing to understand the meaning of the different aspects of this ceremony.
Whilst I think its a bit expensive to watch people spinning in a trance them not me) for the best part of 45 minutes it is also fascinating. I have tried but am dizzy after 30 seconds. I would have liked some more information via an introduction beforehand to help me understand the significance and history behind this , nonetheless if in Cappadocia it is a must.
It’s a religious ceremony which confronts you with the hearth of islamitic religious culture. Don’t miss it if you have a few days in Cappadocia.
Despite what a lot of tourists think, the Whirling Dervishes are NOT spinning to entertain you… They’re spinning to reach a higher power a.k.a God. Don’t be fooled by mood lighting and light hearted pre-show music. That’s not what it’s about. This is a religious practice. If you are curious about religion and whatnot I highly suggest going. If you’re not and you thought there’d be belly dancers you’re S.O.L…. It’s wonderful as its true purpose, but not a whole lot else. My husband fell asleep… he was doing his own sort of “trance”.
Apart from the tourists clicking away with their cameras, this was a terrific experience. Some people were moved to tears. I wasn’t but felt much calmed and in awe of the revolving for 30 minutes. Really eased we went.