We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Hodjapasha Cultural Center

Hoca Pasa Mh. Hocapasa Hamami Sokak 3, | Sirkeci, Istanbul 34412, Turkey (Old City)
+90 212 511 46 26
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #32 of 581 attractions in Istanbul
Type: Performances
Owner description: PROGRAMS1.Istanbul Dervishes: Mevlevi Sema Ceremony / Everyday at 19:30 Price:60 TL pp / Free refreshments including tea , Turkish Cofee , water and... more » Owner description: PROGRAMS1.Istanbul Dervishes: Mevlevi Sema Ceremony / Everyday at 19:30 Price:60 TL pp / Free refreshments including tea , Turkish Cofee , water and fruit juice + Free booklet + free DVD for every online purchase of 2 tickets.2.HodjaPasha Dance Show: Variety of Turkish dances including male and female belly dancers. Tuesday Thursday Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 Price : 70 TL pp / Free refreshments including tea , Turkish Cofee , water and fruit juice + Free booklet + free DVD for every online purchase of 2 tickets. « less
Write a Review

664 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    368
    162
    63
    33
    38
Date Rating
Berchem, Antwerpen, Belgium
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
28 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

If you are expecting something truly Turkish and can be fussy, this is not it. You get a 'program' with a list of dances they will be having for the evening. They have wonderful choreography, with innovative use of props. The cast members take turns changing behind scenes and do all the dances with one big break in between. I'm... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Metung, Australia
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013

We experienced the dervishes at the centre and found it a calming and moving experience, not just an entertainment, but very spiritual and I don't do spiritual as a rule. We loved the centre itself which is an old converted haman or bath house 550 years old.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by olderbutnotout for Istanbul
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

When we were looking for place to go to see belly dancers we were bombarded with all kinds of offers for belly dancing shows plus dinner plus drinks that would then transform into parties where the public could also dance etc. We saw mixed reviews for these and they were quite pricey for what they were offering so I have... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 4 more reviews by Daniel T for Istanbul
Houston, Texas
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

We went to the whirling dervish show expecting something lively and uplifting and were terribly bored and disappointed. Many of us had a hard time staying awake. No explanation was given regarding anything and no pamphlets were distributed. . If something s touted as a "show", then the audience should be considered when money is charged.

Was this review helpful? Yes
The Hague, The Netherlands
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

We went for the 7:30 show, only meant for the Sufi prayers - it takes you to a different plane altogether. The music, the movements - one starts to almost meditate and reach a level of peace that is hardly felt in the busy lives of today. You come out, relaxed, at peace and totally calm. Beware that you will... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Sheroo_Singh for Istanbul
Orange County, CA
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
70 helpful votes 70 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

Exciting, fun, sexy, interesting show. Worth the 70 lira for 9 pm show. 7 pm show is 60 TL and features religious dancing. 9 pm show is folk dancing and belly dancing. Buy from Internet, they told us we'd get better seats that way, and indeed our seats were front row center. Internet says if you buy two tickets online,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 4
See 5 more reviews by stockmktgenius for Istanbul
2 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013 via mobile

Great place, easy to get there by tram. Not really expensive (60 tl per person), free drink and nice facility . Dancers and musicians simply great . Really nice experience in Istanbul ! To be done.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

To be honest, we were worried about the show, anxious to watch a good dance show but afraid it would turn up to be a tourist trap. We were wrong, big time - it was great and much more, it was wonderful! The dancers are professionals and so is the live band. The dances and different costumes creat a varied,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by Anna S for Istanbul
ottawa
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

If you don't know anything about the Whirling Dervishes, read up. Don't expect "a show", this is religious ceremony. Read about the 7 parts of the Sema ceremony and you will get a lot more out of the event. There is no explanation at the event - so, read about it before visiting. You have to sit in absolute silence.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by chetmate for Istanbul
Edinburgh, Scotland
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

If you don't know anything about the Dervish (known more properly as Semazens) then this is worth going to. Don't expect "a show", this is religious ceremony. Read about the 7 parts of the Sema ceremony and you will get a lot more out of the event. There is no explanation at the event. We gave it 5 stars because... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by Ali921 for Istanbul

Travellers who viewed Hodjapasha Cultural Center also viewed

 

Been to Hodjapasha Cultural Center? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Hodjapasha Cultural Center, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing