71 activities in Istanbul, Turkey

Take part in one of the best Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul and admire the cosmopolitan city from a completely different perspective while enjoying the beautiful views of the Orient and the Occident at the same time.

Highlights
- Explore the highlights that sits between Europe and Asia
- Discover the mega metropolis Istanbul from a different view
- Pass by all historical palaces, fortresses and the Bosphorus bridge
- Capture amazing pictures along this journey
- Our boat is departing every hour

The Bosphorus is 32km long, separates Europe from Asia and connects the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea. Cruise along the Bosphorus between Asia and Europe and discover Istanbul tourist attractions, magnificent palaces, ancient castles, and other historical sites, as well as fine seaside residences and the Bosphorus bridge.
Bosphorus tour route: Golden Horn, Maiden Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace.
Historical places you will see from the distance: include Galata Tower, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque. Furthermore, you will have a glance at the spectacular pieces of authentic civic architecture on the European and Asian coast.

Tour start time
10am / 11am / 12pm / 1pm / 2pm / 3pm/ 4pm / 5pm

Duration
90 minutes

Languages
English
Audioguide available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Turkish

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Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Eminönü Ferry Station
At the TURYOL - ISTANBUL WELCOME CARD ticket office (next to the Galata bridge close to the fish and bread boats).

End point: Same as the starting point

If you want to spend a calm day far away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, this excursion to Princess Island is perfect! Enjoy a cruise on the Marmara Sea to the Princess Islands. Your ferry will bring you in 75 minutes to the Princess Islands Büyükada.

Princess Islands Istanbul
IIn the times of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire the islands were used as exile sites and as a monastery region. Today only 4 of the total 9 Princes’ Islands are open to public settlement. Your boat will bring you to the most famous and most beautiful of these island called Büyükada. The name is meaning Big Island and the size of the island is 5,4 km2 and has 7.300 inhabitants. Except fire brigade, police and ambulance only carriages andbicycles are allowed here.

What you can do
- Take a walk through the center and get used to the silence that reigns on the island.
- See the Merkez Eczanesi, a pharmacy from 1870, and feel like beeing in a time tunnel.
- Go to the Hamlaci Street 4 and see the ruin of the villa, in which Trotsky lived in exile between 1929 and 1933, writing his autobiography and the three volumes on the "History of the Russian Revolution".
- Rent a bike and take a round trip on the island. Along the way, admire the magnificent old villas lining up the streets.
- Explore the Greek Orthodox St. George Church on top of the island's talles hill.
- Enjoy fantastic views of Istanbul, the Marmara Sea and the neighboring islands.
- Stop over and visit the former Greek Orphanage, Europe’s largest and the worlds second largest wooden house.
- Have a delicious lunch in one of the many restaurants around the harbour.
- Go to one of the public beaches (halk plaji) or beach clubs for swimming and sunbathing or keep on exploring the island.
- If you like hiking, you can also walk the island tour.

Boat departure times: 10:40 / 11:40 / 12:40 / 13:40 / 14:40
Boat return times: 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00 / 18:00

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Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
TURYOL Eminonu Ferry Station

End point: Büyükada Turyol Ferry Station

Join the only cruise in Istanbul where you can see both the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus!

After sightseeing at Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, relax on this 120-minute Golden Horn and Bosphorus cruise.

Meet your guide at the Topkapi Cafe and walk together to the pier behind Hagia Sophia. Explore the Golden Horn and 32km of the Bosphorus.

See Istanbul's main attractions, including magnificent palaces, ancient castles, famous hills and parks, and spectacular seaside residences from different centuries, as you pass under famous bridges.

You will pass Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace. You will also see historical landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower and Galata Tower from a distance.

Book your spot today and get ready for an amazing experience!

Enjoy fast track entry, discover the Basilica Cistern and the mystery of Medusa heads from the Greek mythology.

Highlights
- Learn from a local historian guide
- Get to know the story of the Medusa heads
- Basilica Cistern Tour by Historian Guide
- Visit with your historian guide the biggest ancient water cistern in Istanbul. The cistern was built in the year 532 and constructed by using 336 columns.
- The Medusa Heads at the Basilica Cistern

This two very big Medusa heads were used as plinths in the cistern. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a female monster with snakes on her head and anyone that looked into her eyes was instantly turned into stone.

This and much more you will learn from your historian guide during this Basilica Cistern tour.

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Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Hagia Sophia

End point: Same as the starting point

Schedule
Opening dates
09:30 - 10:00
11:30 - 12:00
13:00 - 13:30
15:30 - 16:00

Duration: 30 Minutes

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

Don't miss to visit these must-see attractions in Istanbul with a local expert! Meet your local guide at the entrance of the Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern, skip the lines and enjoy the tours.

Highlights
- Enter the Hagia Sophia & Basilica the fastest way inside
- Explore the world's most famous Christian church
- Discover the 1.500-year-old water cistern and Medus heads
- Benefit from the tours with a local expert
- Enjoy the stories of the Hagia Sophia at the guide app in 10 languages
- Avoid waiting at lines and enjoy more of your time in Istanbul
- 30 minutes guided tour at each attraction

All trips to Istanbul should include a visit to the most famous Christian church in the world for 1.000 years (and since 500 years a Mosque), the Hagia Sophia, and the 1.500-year-old water cistern Basilica, famous for its Medusa heads and many Hollywood Blockbusters. Both attractions are located just next to each other in the old town in Sultanahmet Square.

At the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, meet a local guide who takes you through a fast-track line to enter the site, followed by a highlights tour in English. After the tour you can stay inside the attractions as long as you want.

Begin your tour at either attraction. Your local guide will help you get oriented and advise you of the best time to visit both attractions so as to avoid long lines. You may use the same voucher for both experiences, even on different days.

While on the boat, take photos of the whole city and admire important monuments and mosques from a distance. The boat will return to its departure point and then you are free to continue your sightseeing.

We wish you a wonderful and pleasant stay in Istanbul.

Start/Opening Times
Hagia Sophia: 10am, 10:30am and 11:30am.
Basilica Cistern: 12pm, 1pm and 3pm

Languages
Hagia Sophia and Hagia Sophia 30 minutes tour: English-speaking guide
Audioguide app for Hagia Sophia: English, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Russian, Polish, Arabic, German and Turkish.

Others
For a better experience download the Hagia Sophia audio guide app before the tour. Search in IOS or Android store for the Istanbul Welcome Card Hagia Sophia Audio Guide and download for free.
We skip the lines but can not skip the security check

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Voucher type: E-Voucher
E-voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Hürrem Sultan Hamam

End point: Same as the starting point

Requirements
Please wear clothing that conceals the shoulders, legs and arms when visiting religious sites.
We may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues.

Skip the long lines and enter Hagia Sophia with a local guide who will give you a brief introduction and orientation tips. Explore the monument on your own and admire the architectural miracles and the beautiful mosaics inside.

Highlights
- Skip the line and enter the legendary Hagia Sophia
- Get a brief introduction and orientation tips from your local guide
- Access the galleries upstairs and take beautiful photographs of the main area below

Advantages
- Skip the ticket line and save up to 2 hours
- Orientation walk with guide

Hagia Sophia Fast Track Entry
Take the shortest way into the legendary Hagia Sophia of Istanbul. Choose the time that suits you best, meet your guide in front of the museum, and pass the long ticket lines directly to the entrance. You can save up to 2 or 3 hours by not standing in the famous queues.

You will get a brief 15 minutes orientation about the long history of Hagia Sophia and how to get to the different parts of the building to see the different pieces. Then, you can enjoy the building at your own pace. You can spent the whole day inside or just have a quick glance on its impressive beauty.

Hagia Sophia will stun you with its size, volume, and decoration as it has been doing since the times of the Roman Empire. It bears the traces of different ages, religions, sects, and cultures. You will not regret visit this timeless glory.


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Voucher type: Printed
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Location
Start point:
Hagia Sophia
Main entrance of Hagia Sophia

End point: Same as the starting point

Schedule
Opening dates
09:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00

Closing dates


Duration: 15 Minutes

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

This is the shortest way into the glorious Topkapi Palace Museum of Istanbul which had been the house of the Ottoman sultans for 4 centuries. Choose the time fits you best, meet your guide in front of the palace and pass by the long ticket lines directly to the entrance.

Highlights
- See famous courtyards and gates of Topkapi Palace
- Visit the galleries of royal collections at your own pace
- Get the most important points from your guide at the beginning
- See the best views over the Golden Horn and Bosphorus
Advantages
- Skip the ticket line and save up to 2 hours
- Orientation walk with guide

Topkapi Palace Fast Track Entry
If you miss your meeting, no problem, you can just take any of the following sessions without any extra charge!

You will be given a brief orientation by a professional guide about what the Topkapi Palace was through its very long past and where to find different courtyards and galleries. Your guide will take you through the first two portal gates talking about the place and buildings while passing the first courtyard.

After security checks and entrance, there will be some more introduction about what to see inside like the council hall, arms and armory section or holy relics and more.

Then, you can just enjoy the palace at your own pace. You can enjoy a long coffee break in-between looking over a spectacular Bosphorus view or quickly finish your walk around. It is possible to walk around in an hour and then leave. Or you might stay inside for several hours with detailed observations.

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Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Topkapi Palace
At the main entrance

End point: Same as the starting point

Schedule
Opening dates
09:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00

Closing dates
Tuesday

Duration: 15 Minutes

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

Combine a visit to the amazing Hagia Sophia with a local specialist and a memorable Bosphorus cruise. Meet your local guide at the entrance of the Hagia Sophia, who will offer assistance in entering the attraction and boarding the boat from the nearby pier.

Highlights
- Enter the Hagia Sophia and then hop aboard a 90 minutes cruise on the Bosphorus
- Explore the world's most famous Christian church
- Take in views of the historic city from a unique perspective
- 30 min guiding service in English in the Hagia Sophia

All trips to Istanbul should include a visit to the most famous Christian church in the world, the Hagia Sophia, located in the old town in front of the Sultanahmet Square. Combine this experience with a river cruise on the Bosphorus. From the boat, admire the city's most historic buildings and almost all seven hills.

At the Hagia Sophia, meet a local guide who take you through a fast-track line to enter the site, followed by a short security check. Once inside, explore the gardens and admire the monumental architecture of the building which was reinforced during the Ottoman Era. Enter the building through the main gate and marvel at the frescoes in the first hall. Check out the second floor to see the original frescoes of the Orthodox church and even a mark made from a viking intruder on the wall.

Begin either with the cruise or from the Hagia Sophia. Your local guide will help you get oriented and advise you of the best time to visit both attractions so as to avoid long lines. You may use the same voucher for both experiences, even on two consecutive days.

While on the boat, take photos of the whole city and admire important monuments and mosques from a distance. The boat will return to its departure point and then you are free to continue your sightseeing.

Start/Opening Times
Boat departs every hour from 12pm until 5pm.
Hagia Sophia: 10am, 10:30am and 11:30am.

Languages
Hagia Sophia Tour: English-speaking guide
Bosphorus Cruise: Audioguide app* available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Russian, Polish, Arabic, German and Turkish.

*Please download the audioguide app before the tour on your smartphone.

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Voucher type: E-Voucher
E-voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Hürrem Sultan Hamam

End point: Same as the starting point

Guide options
Guide type: Guide and audioguide

Requirements
We may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues.
Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process.

Book this tour and go on a journey back in time and explore the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Discover the city's centuries-old Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, learn about Istanbul's rich history from your official licensed guide, and get a sense for the culture, both past and present.
Highlights

• Discover Byzantine and Ottoman relics
• Learn more about the fascinating history of Istanbul
• Discover some of the city’s most important historical sites
• Get a sense for the culture both past and present
• Explore the Hippodrome with its two obelisks and the Serpentine Column
• Visit the German Fountain, a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II
• See the magnificent Palace of Ibrahim Pasha
• Stroll through the courtyards of the Blue Mosque
• Step inside the beautiful Blue Mosque and stay inside as long as you want

Meet your Istanbul Welcome Card guide in front of the Hagia Sophia and start your walking tour on the Historic Peninsula, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. During this tour (45 minutes guided tour), we will discover all the historical buildings from outside that surround the ancient imperial square of Istanbul. Between the monuments, your guide will take you through the ages of Istanbul - from antiquity to modern times.
First, we visit the Million Stone: The Center of the world, which takes us far back in time to the Byzantine Empire.

Continue with a walk to the German Fountain - a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II to Sultan Abdulhamid II from 1898.

Next, see the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, an Ottoman imperial court residence built in the 16th century.

Afterwards, we will visit the Hippodrome, which was the center of political and sporting life in Istanbul during the reign of the Roman and Ottoman Empire.

Finally, admire the world-famous Blue Mosque, one of the most splendid and largest Ottoman mosques in Istanbul. Built in 1616, the sacral building with its six minarets characterizes the skyline of the city and is considered a masterpiece.

The tour ends in the courtyard of the Blue Mosque, where you can enter the mosque with the famous blue Iznik tiles and see it from the inside.

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Location
Start point:
Hürrem Sultan Hamam

End point: Blue Mosque

Schedule
Duration: 45 Minutes

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

Explore the most awe-inspiring areas of Istanbul, one of the single most beautiful cities in both Europe and the Middle East.

Highlights
- Discover the beautiful city of Istanbul
- Glide along the Bosphorus on a scenic river cruise
- Admire some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks

Start by becoming acquainted with your knowledgeable guide, who will accompany you throughout the duration of this exciting tour and tell you all about the interesting history and fun facts behind every Istanbul landmark you come across.

Morning Tour
Excite the senses as you visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Admire the staggering abundance and variety of not only spices, but also fruits, vegetables and flowers that line the exotic stores.

Afterwards, embark on a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the magnificent river that splits Istanbul into two, and bridges Europe and Asia. Contemplate the breath-taking marble palaces and ancient wooden villas of beautiful Ottoman architecture. These elegant old buildings stand in stark contrast with the more modern residential luxury apartments erected alongside them, so that Istanbul’s wealthy can relax while enjoying the views of the shimmering waterway.

Then, it is time see from the outside Rumeli Fortress, a historical armament erected to keep a watchful eye over the appreciated river, a hub of international commerce back in the day. This fortress is a grand example of military architecture and it can be seen from the sea during the tour. This trip will make you fall in love with this bewildering, multicultural city while you discover its more historical side.

Afternoon Tour
First, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, followed by a climb up Pierre Loti Hill by cable car enjoying the fantastic panoramic views of the city below.

Next, take a panoramic bus tour into the streets along the northern bank of the Golden Horn. Here you pass through Balat, a dynamic immigrant district with a long-standing history; viewing the extravagance of the Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, the stately Jewish Hospital and the picturesque facade of the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate before returning to your hotel.

Others
Spice Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

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Voucher type: Printed
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Location
Starting point:
Hotel pickup

End point: Morning tour: Taksim square.
Afternoon tour: Drop off at the hotel.

Schedule
Opening dates
08:00 - 12:00
13:30 - 17:30

Duration: 4 Hours

Guiding options
Guiding type: Guide

Requirements
Please be advised that the tour may be given in several languages.

Discover the history of Istanbul as you enjoy a half day tour exploring the most iconic buildings of the Old City.

Highlights
- Admire Istanbul's most famous landmarks
- Stroll through the Hippodrome steeped in history
- Browse the stalls at the world-famous Grand Bazaar

Stroll through the streets of Istanbul and come across its most famous landmarks such as the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Hippodrome, The Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

See the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. Built by the master architect Sinan, Istanbul’s largest mosque represents the power and dignity of one of the greatest Ottoman sultans. Walk through the Hippodrome, once the centre for sports and entertainment in old Constantinople, the Roman capital, it was also a very important centre for politics.

Admire the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque. Appropriately named after the delicate designs of the Ottoman tiles which decorate the walls of the shrine, the mosque is identifiable by its’ six minarets.

Contemplate the history of the Haghia Sophia – Boasting the 4th largest dome in the world, this stunning building began as a Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century AD during the reign of Justinian and was an architectural innovation at the time. Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, it was converted to a museum in 1935 and is a ‘must-see’ on a visit to Istanbul.

No trip to Istanbul without a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Practice your bargaining skills at this world-famous covered bazaar, where people have been trading diamonds, carpets, leather, copperware, food and perfumes for centuries. A short demonstration of Turkish rugs is included in the tour.

Languages
English

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Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Pick-ups are available from hotels based in Sultanahmet, Aksaray, Sirkeci, Beyazıt and Taksim.

End point: Same as the starting point

Schedule
Opening dates
07:00 - 12:00

Duration: 4 Hours

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

Requirements
Remember to bring the voucher and valid photo ID with you

This half day morning tour explores some of the Asian side of the city crossing the Bosphorous and visiting Camlica Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and Baghdad street.

Beginning with the Bosphorous Bridge, which connects the European and the Asian sides of Istanbul.

This half day morning tour explores some of the Asian side of the city crossing the Bosphorous and visiting Camlica Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and Baghdad street.

Beginning with the Bosphorous Bridge, which connects the European and the Asian sides of Istanbul, this was built in built in 1973 and affords a spectacular view of Istanbul’s modern and ancient sites while travelling over 60 metres above sea level.

The highest point in Istanbul is Camlica Hill and we stop here for a panoramic view over the city provided that Istanbul chooses to show its beauties and blesses the visitors with a clear day. Moving on from here we visit Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the largest, lavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman sultans. The rooms are kept with their original furniture and visitors can imagine being house guests to the Imperial family.

The tour culminates with a trip to Baghdad Street, once the grouping point for the merchants who were set to travel the ancient Silk Road, this popular street on the Asian side of Istanbul has elegant boutiques and shopping alternatives. This will be a perfect chance to see the urban lifestyle of modern Istanbul.

Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel pick-up.
Duration: 4 hours.
Start/opening time: At 07:45am.
End/closing time: 11:45pm.
Languages: English.
Others: Please note that the Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays and that it is replaced by early 20th century (1907) Hidiv Pavilion.

Location
Starting point:
Hotel pickup

Guiding options
Guiding type: Guide

Discover the magnificent, historical city of Istanbul at this City Tour. The 2 hour long Sightseeing Tour takes you to the most beautiful highlights of the city and shows you spectacular views of Istanbul.

Highlights
- Discover Asia and Europe
- Enjoy an informative and exciting tour by bus
- Admire the iconic landmarks on the Historic Peninsula
- Cross from Europe to Asia using the Bosphorus Bridge
- Discover Istanbul's Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture by bus
- Visit the Camlica Hill at the Asian Side am make amazing pictures of Istanbul

The 2-hour Istanbul City Tour starts right at the Hagia Sophia, the city’s most famous square. Lean back, relax and discover Istanbul and its famous sights as you drive comfortably through the streets of Istanbul. The bus allows you to enjoy breathtaking views as you pass by the city's main attractions.

Keep your camera ready and capture the spectacular view when you see the Golden Horn. Discover the city’s historical sites and its unique past as you get to the Historic Peninsula, an UNESCO world heritage site. Marvel at the testimonies of the Byzantine and Ottoman era and see iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Besiktas Arena, Bosphorus Bridge, Taksim square and much more.

Witness stunning panoramic views of the city, when you pass the Galata and Bosphorus Bridge. A special highlight awaits you at the Bosphorus Bridge. Experience a unique moment, when you cross from Europe to Asia within two minutes. And the absolute highlight will be the Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, where we have short photo stop, so you can capture amazing pictures of Istanbul.

Languages
English

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Voucher type: E-Voucher
E-voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Hürrem Sultan Hamam

End point: Sultanahmet area.

Schedule
Duration: 2 Hours

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

Whirling Dervish Istanbul Show is one of the most popular event in the city. The Sufi Dance is a transcendental performance by Sufi Dervishes also known as Whirling Dervish Show. It is called in Turkish Semah.

Highlights
- Go on a spiritual journey
- Most popular event in the city
- 800 year old mystical dance show
- See the Mevlevi Semah ceremony
- Performed inside Orient Express Station

Whirling Dervish Istanbul Show
Go on spiritual journey and watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity. The Sema ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to perfection through mind and love – do not miss this experience of music and moves.

What is a Dervish?
A Dervish is a Sufi, member of the Mevlevi Order.

What is a Sufi?
Sufi is a mystic that seeks to find divine truth and love directly with God. Sufism is the centuries old stream in Islam for the followers of 13th century poet Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi from Konya, Turkey. He is mostly known for the themes of acceptance and tolerance in his teachings and poetry. The community of Sufism developed religious practices focusing on self control that enable both mental and mystical insights as well as a loss of self, with the ultimate goal of mystical union with God.

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Voucher type: Printed
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Location
Start point:
Orient Express Station (Marmaray Sirkeci İstasyonu)
Inside Sirkeci Train Station

End point: Same as the starting point

Schedule
Opening dates
19:30 - 20:30

Duration: 1 Hours

Guide options
Guide type: Not included

Discover the mesmerizing art of Ebru, the traditional Turkish marbling technique, at the historic Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi in Istanbul.

Guided by experienced artists, participants learn how to create stunning water-based designs using natural pigments and horsehair brushes on the surface of water thickened with carrageenan.

Each pattern is then transferred onto paper, creating unique and vibrant artworks.

This hands-on cultural experience connects visitors with centuries of Ottoman artistry and spiritual symbolism, offering both creativity and serenity in one of Istanbul’s most authentic Mevlevihanes.

You're going to love experiencing the spiritual beauty of the Mevlevi Sufi ritual at the historic Kasimpaşa Mevlevihanesi in Istanbul! 

The Mevlevi Sufi ritual at Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi is an incredible experience! The Sema ceremony is a meditative and spiritual whirling dance performed by dervishes to symbolize their path to God. The ceremony is an incredible experience! It's more than just a performance — it's a powerful, spiritual journey accompanied by the beautiful sounds of traditional Mevlevi music. 

This centuries-old ceremony is a celebration of spiritual ascent through music, poetry, and motion. You will be blown away as they experience the sacred dance, accompanied by the vibrant sounds of live traditional instruments in a setting that transports you back to 1632. The event invites visitors to discover the inner peace and symbolism of Sufism, performed by experienced dervishes in one of Istanbul's oldest Mevlevihanes.