Cappadocia Whirling Dervish Show: Mevlevi Dance Performance

Seven movements, seven principles: the Mevlevi dance unfolds in a cave carved from stone

The Cappadocia Whirling Dervish Show is a Sufi dance performance held in a historical rock-carved cave, where you watch the Mevlevi dance: a centuries-old tradition based on the seven principles of Mevlana. An English-speaking guide explains the religious and spiritual meaning of each movement before the performance begins. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an option. You can also meet directly at the venue.

Step-by-step itinerary

Watch Whirling Dervish Show

• Hotel pick up
• English guide introduction
• Watch Mevlevi dance performance
• Hotel drop off

The experience

The Mevlevi dance, rooted in Sufi tradition, unfolds across seven distinct parts, each one tied to a principle of Mevlana's teachings. You'll watch the performance in a historical rock-carved cave: the setting itself part of Cappadocia's landscape. An English-speaking guide walks you through the meaning and history of the dance before it begins, so you understand what each movement represents rather than simply observing from the outside.

The show runs roughly an hour to an hour and a half. If you choose the ground transportation option, the guide picks you up from your hotel, brings you to the venue, and returns you afterward. If you prefer to arrange your own way there, you can meet directly at the location. Either way, a traditional drink called serbet is included.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide explaining the seven principles of Mevlana.
• traditional serbet drink.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (available with the ground transportation option).

Options for this experience

2 options

Meeting point is at the location18:00Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not part of this option.

Included Ground Transportation18:00Transfer pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00

Book up to3h before

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Joycap Travel Agency

Is this one for you?Choose the option with hotel pickup if you want one less thing to arrange on arrival in Cappadocia. Book the meet-at-location option if you're already familiar with the area or prefer to time your own arrival.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Mevlevi dance and why does it have seven parts?

The Mevlevi dance is a Sufi performance tradition with hundreds of years of history, based on the teachings of Mevlana. The seven parts of the show each represent one of Mevlana's seven principles, making the entire performance a spiritual expression rather than entertainment alone.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the show, or is it included?

You have a choice at checkout: you can book the option with hotel pickup and drop-off included, or you can meet directly at the venue location and arrange your own way there.

Will I understand what's happening if I don't know about Mevlana or Sufi tradition?

Yes, your English-speaking guide explains the show before the performance starts, covering the history and meaning of the dance so you can follow what each movement represents.

How long does the entire experience take?

The show itself runs between one and one and a half hours. If you book with hotel pickup, add travel time to and from your accommodation.

Is this suitable for children or people with mobility concerns?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can be brought in a pram or stroller, and infants can sit on an adult's lap during the performance.