Dating back to 1491 and has become a museum in 1975 under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, the Galata Mevlevi House Museum (Galata Mevlevihanesi) is an exciting museum showcases variety of Turkish calligraphic art items, music items and items belonging to the Mevlevi culture. Situated in Galata on a 6,800 square meters vast territory, it attracts all the foreign visitors, that many wrote articles and drew designs on the lodge and the whirling dervishes.
Practical Information
The Galata Mevlevi House Museum, also known as Mevlevihanesi, stands as an authentic Mevlevi Whirling Dervish hall. Situated at the end of Istiklal Street in Beyoğlu, near Galip Dede Street, this historic lodge, also referred to as Galata or Kulekapısı Mevlevi Lodge during the Ottoman era, was established in 1491. Recognized as one of the most significant Ottoman structures in Beyoğlu, it shares historical prominence with the Galata Palace School.
Originally founded in 1491, this lodge underwent various transformations. In 1975, it opened its doors as the Divan Literature Museum, showcasing the cultural richness of the Ottoman era. Later, in 2011, it was reorganized as the Galata Mevlevi House Museum.
What to See?
When you walk through the narrow corridors, you will find a courtyard in sharp contrast with the European and stone masonry architecture of Beyoglu, an Ottoman-style timber building of semahane, the shrine and the fountain. You’ll be impressed with this historical texture.
The Sema Area, located on the ground floor, is a captivating space with a walnut floor. It features a mihrap (prayer niche) and minber (pulpit) at the back. An epitaph above the gateway commemorates renovations during Sultan Abdulmejid I’s reign. Moving beyond the gateway, a calligraphy panel reading “Ya Hazrat-e Mawlana” by Yesarizade Mustafa İzzet graces the Mıtrıb Mahfili (lodge) facing the Sema.
The museum complex of the Galata Mevlevi Lodge entails real properties of culture that still exist today. The main museum buildings include the Semahane, Halet Efendi Shrine, Sheikh Galib Shrine, Sebilküttab building, Adile Sultan Fountain, Hasan Aga Fountain and the mevlevi cemetery “Hamuflan”.
The 9 Lodges, situated upstairs, surround the Sema area from three sides, excluding the prayer niche direction. These lodges and back rooms exhibit various works from the museum’s collections, creating a captivating journey through the Mevlevi heritage.
Some of the famous men buried here include; Ibrahim Müteferrika, who established Turkey’s first modern printing press, Humbaraci Ahmed Pasha – Le Compte CA Bonneval, who founded the first Western artillery school of Turkey, Lady Leyla, first female Divan literature poet, Fasih Dede and Esrar Dede, famous Divan literature poets, and Nayi Osman Dede, a ney (a kind of saxhorn) master.
When you visit the museum of Galata Mevlevi Lodge, you’ll be informed about the lodge life, architecture and Mevlevi culture. Visitors will discover the lodge by means of art academy and also will have a chance to relax in its peaceful environment.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Sema Ceremony at Galata Mevlevi House Museum
Experience the mesmerizing Whirling Dervish ceremonies every Sunday at 6 PM, an enchanting ritual that lasts for one hour.
Given the intimate setting with only 150 seats, tickets tend to sell out rapidly. If you aspire to witness the ceremony from the front rows, plan to arrive early. Keep in mind that there are no assigned seat numbers, enhancing the communal experience of this sacred spectacle.
If you can’t catch the Whirling Dervishes Performance at the Galata Mevlevi House on Sundays, you may catch it on the below popular venues.
Hodjapasha Culture Center
Located in Sirkeci, close to the Sirkeci train station and set in a restored 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath, this is the most tourist taking venue for Whirling Dervishes Performance in Istanbul.
The performances take place every day at 19:00 (Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday in winter). They also offer Rhythm of the Dance Show (Turkish Dance), a combination of folk dances performed by professional dancers.
Address: Hoca Paşa Mahallesi, Ankara Caddesi, Hocapaşa Hamamı Sk. 3/B, Fatih (See location map)
How to Book?
Booking online is by far the best and the most convenient way to attend the show. You may not find a ticket at ticket window on location.
Tip: The show is very popular among the majority of the tourists, and you should buy your tickets at least 2 or 3 days in advance, as many dates are selling quickly. Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Buy Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Ticket Online
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Sirkeci Orient Express Hall (Highly Recommended)
Located in Sirkeci Train Station, in the Historical Orient Express Hall, just within short walking distance from Sirkeci Tram station, this is a popular venue for Whirling Dervishes Performance in Istanbul.
How to Book?
Booking Whirling Dervishes Show at Sirkeci Orient Express Hall ONLINE is by far the best and the most convenient way to attend the show. You may not find a ticket at ticket window on location. And this is cheaper than the one in Hodjapasha Culture Center.
Tip: The show is very popular among the majority of the tourists, and you should buy your tickets at least 2 or 3 days in advance, as many dates are selling quickly.
Buy Orient Express Whirling Dervishes Ticket Online
Visiting Tips
Why is Galata Mevlevi House Museum famous?
The Galata Mevlevi House Museum, also known as Mevlevihanesi, is renowned for being an authentic Mevlevi Whirling Dervish hall. Established in 1491, it holds historical significance as one of the most important Ottoman works in Beyoğlu. The museum is celebrated for preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Mevlevi order, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the mystical traditions of the Whirling Dervishes.
Is Galata Mevlevi House Museum worth it?
Absolutely. The Galata Mevlevi House Museum is worth visiting for its historical and cultural richness. It provides a serene space to explore the spiritual traditions of the Mevlevi Order and witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremonies. The museum’s architecture and exhibits offer a captivating journey into the Ottoman era, making it a rewarding experience for history and culture enthusiasts.
Is there a dress code for Galata Mevlevi House Museum?
While there might not be a strict dress code, it’s advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the spiritual nature of the site. Visitors are encouraged to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
How long do you spend at the Galata Mevlevi House Museum?
The duration of your visit depends on your level of interest. Exploring the museum and appreciating the exhibits might take around 1-2 hours. If you plan to attend a Sema ceremony, allocate additional time for the performance.
How to get tickets for Galata Mevlevi House Museum?
Tickets for the Galata Mevlevi House Museum can be purchased on the site or online. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially for the Whirling Dervish ceremonies, as there are only 150 seats, and they tend to sell out quickly.
What time should I visit the Galata Mevlevi House Museum?
The museum is often open during regular hours, but if you plan to witness the Whirling Dervish ceremonies, they typically take place every Sunday at 6 PM. Arriving early is advisable, as there are no assigned seat numbers, and the seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visiting Hours & Admissions
Opening Hours
Open every day except Mondays between 09:00-20:00 (from 01 April to 01 October), 09:00-18:30 (from 01 October to 01 April).
Closed on Mondays.
Ticket counters close 1 hour before the museum closing time.
Whirling dervishes show take place every last Sunday of each month.
Ticket Price
Please double check hours and admissions from muze.gen.tr
How to Get There
Location
You’ll find the Galata Mevlevi Lodge, where Istiklal Street ends at the Tunnel Square and leads to Galip dede street. Right at the beginning of this ramp down, on the left hand side, it welcomes you with its historic gate. See the location map.
Transportation
The most practical way to get to top of the Galip dede ramp is via walking down from the Istiklal Street or up from Karakoy/Galata Tower. You should get to Karakoy or Tunel square.
- Take funicular from Karakoy to Tunel and walk down about a minute.
- Walk upwards Galip dede ramp from Karakoy.
- Walk downwards from Taksim and Istiklal Street to the end and than turn left down to Galip dede ramp.
- From Sultanahmet take the Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line) to reach Karakoy.
- If you stay at the Taksim hotels, than you easily walk to the museum.
Check our Taksim or Galata-Karakoy pages to see how to get to Taksim or Karakoy in details.
Contact Details
Address: Galip Dede Street, No:15, Tunel, Beyoglu
Tel: +90 212 245 41 41