The Galata Mevlevi Museum, also known as the Galata Mawlavi House, is one of the top things to do in Istanbul for two reasons. Galata Mevlevi is the world’s foremost museum on Sufism, which believes that inner peace and outer kindness can bring one closer to God while they are still living.

Galata Mevlevi Museum also happens to be the best place in the world to catch a whirling dervish performance, one of Istanbul’s “must-see” shows. For the whirling dervishes, as they are commonly known, this “performance” is not really a performance per se, but rather a religious ceremony. It is something that you have to experience before you can even attempt to understand it.

Get Cultured: Using your Istanbul Museum Pass for free entrance, stop by one day to tour the museum to learn more about the Mevlevi order, and history of Sufism. Be sure to also check the schedule and purchase tickets to a whirling dervish performance while here!
*IMP free*