Whirling Dervish

Whirling Dervish is not actually a place but rather a religious ceremony that involves a spinning dance. The spinning motion represents turning toward the truth and progressing on their spiritual journey. It is quite captivating to watch.
Although referred to as dervishes, their official name is the Mevlevi Order (also known as the Mawlawi Order). It is a type of Sufism, the belief that kindness, generosity, and inner peace can bring a person closer to God while still living. With roots and traditions that date back to the early 1300s, it is no surprise that UNESCO added the whirling dervish performance to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2008.

Expert Advice: There is only one place to see the most authentic whirling dervish performance in Istanbul: the Galata Mevlevi Whirling Dervish Museum. If you have a museum pass you can get in free, browse the museum during the day and learn more about the Mevlevi Order, and history of Sufism. You can even purchase tickets to one of the performances on your way out.