Istanbul: Hodjapasha Dance Show & Anatolian Folklore Night

Summary

Folk rhythms and swirling skirts in hodjapasha’s old hammam

You’ll step into Istanbul’s historic Hodjapasha Culture Center for an evening of lively Anatolian and Balkan dances, swirling costumes, and dazzling belly dance performances—all brought to life with immersive 360-degree visuals. Enjoy bottled water as you explore the foyer’s cultural exhibition before settling into your seat for a show that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping into the Hodjapasha Culture Center was the echo—like the walls still remembered water and laughter from when this place was a hammam. The stone arches caught the colored lights as people shuffled to their numbered seats, some whispering in Turkish, others snapping photos. There was this faint smell—maybe incense or just old stone warmed by so many bodies over time. We sipped our bottled water and wandered through the little exhibition in the foyer, reading about dances I’d never even heard of before. My friend tried to pronounce “Kafkas” and a local woman nearby grinned, correcting us softly.

When the show started, it was almost too much to take in at once. The dancers spun out in bursts of color—velvet reds, deep blues—and their feet hit the floor so sharply you could feel it in your chest. At one point, a solo belly dancer moved with this quiet confidence; her bracelets chimed with every twist. The 360-degree video projections wrapped around us—mountains, rivers, city lights—and for a second I forgot we were just off a busy Istanbul street. Our guide (I think his name was Emre?) leaned over and whispered bits of background—like how some steps came from villages near the Black Sea. I didn’t expect to get goosebumps during a group dance but there it was.

Afterwards, people lingered in small knots outside, talking about which part they liked best or trying out clumsy dance moves under the street lamps. It’s funny—I still hear those drumbeats sometimes when I’m walking at night. There’s something about seeing all those traditions stitched together in one room that sticks with you longer than you’d guess.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Attend Hodjapasha dance show

• Visit Hodjapasha Culture Center
• Explore dance culture exhibition
• Watch folkloric and belly dance show

Top questions

Where is the Hodjapasha Dance Show held?

The show takes place at Hodjapasha Culture Center (Hocapasa Kültür Merkezi) in Istanbul.

What types of dances are performed at the show?

The performance includes folkloric dances from Anatolia, Balkan and Caucasian regions plus solo and group belly dancing.

Is there assigned seating at the venue?

Seats are numbered on a first booked, first serve basis.

Are drinks or food included?

Bottled water is included with your ticket; no other drinks or food are mentioned.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Hodjapasha Culture Center.

Is this suitable for children or infants?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the show.

How long does the dance show last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but typically such shows last around 1–1.5 hours.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to Hodjapasha Culture Center with bottled water provided; you’ll also have time before the performance to visit a small cultural exhibition in the foyer area before taking your numbered seat for the main show.