Göreme: Dervish Ceremony in Saruhan Kervansaray W/ Transfers

Nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, Göreme’s Saruhan Kervansaray is the stage for a mesmerizing cultural experience. Visitors can witness the captivating whirling dance of real dervishes, seeing the region’s rich spiritual heritage. With convenient transfers and optional activities like a traditional tea ceremony, this enchanting 2-6 hour event offers a glimpse into the captivating world of Mevlana’s 751st Reunion Anniversary. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Cappadocia’s cultural tapestry, the Saruhan Kervansaray dervish ceremony promises an unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• Authentic dervish ceremony held at the 12th-century Saruhan Kervansaray in Cappadocia, offering insight into the spiritual traditions of the region.
• Ceremony duration ranges from 2 to 6 hours, with pickup and drop-off services available from various locations in Cappadocia and Konya.
• Ceremony features mesmerizing whirling dances performed by real dervishes, with optional add-ons like a traditional tea ceremony and arts and crafts market visit.
• Suitable for participants aged 14-99, but not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, epilepsy, or motion sickness.
• The 751st Reunion Anniversary of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi in 2024 is expected to draw large crowds, so early booking is recommended.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This authentic dervish ceremony takes place at the 12th-century Saruhan Kervansaray in Cappadocia, offering visitors a unique cultural experience lasting 2 to 6 hours.

Priced from $61.02 per person, the ceremony is available in multiple languages including English, Russian, Spanish, and more.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Whether you’re seeking an immersive cultural encounter or simply want to witness the mesmerizing rituals of the dervishes, this activity provides an unforgettable glimpse into the spiritual traditions of Cappadocia.

Transportation and Pickup

Getting to the Saruhan Caravanserai where the dervish ceremony takes place is made easy, with pickup locations available in several Cappadocian towns and cities. The tour provides transportation to and from the ceremony, with guests able to be picked up in Göreme, Ortahisar, Üçhisar, Konya, and Çavuşin. Dropoffs are at the same locations as pickups. Pickup times are set at a minimum of 4 hours before the ceremony in Cappadocia, and approximately 1.5 hours before in Konya. The transportation type is a guided tour or bus tour, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey to the historic Saruhan Kervansaray.

Pickup Locations	Drop-off Locations	Pickup Timing
Göreme	Same as pickup	Cappadocia: Min. 4 hours before ceremony
Ortahisar		Konya: Approx. 1.5 hours before ceremony
Üçhisar
Konya
Çavuşin

Ceremony Details

Situated within the historic Saruhan Caravanserai, the authentic dervish ceremony provides visitors with a unique and impressive experience.

Highlighting the rituals of the Mevlevi Order, real dervishes perform the mesmerizing whirling dance, offering guests a glimpse into this centuries-old Sufi tradition.

The ceremony’s highlights include optional add-ons like a traditional tea ceremony, an arts and crafts market visit, a concert, and a traditional dance show.

For those seeking to enjoy Cappadocia’s cultural heritage, this 2 to 6-hour experience is a must-do.

Plus, visitors can attend the Mevlana’s 751st Reunion Anniversary Commemoration Ceremonies (Şeb-i Arus) in Konya, held annually from December 7-17.

Participant Information

The dervish ceremony experience caters to a specific age range, with adults aged 14-99 permitted to attend, while children 13 and younger are welcome.

However, the ceremony may not be suitable for certain individuals, including those with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, epilepsy, or motion sickness. Plus, babies under 1 year old aren’t recommended to attend.

The immersive nature of the ceremony and the enclosed environment within the Saruhan Kervansaray may pose challenges for these groups.

Participants are advised to consider their personal needs and limitations before booking the experience to ensure they can fully enjoy the authentic dervish rituals and performances.

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Customer Feedback

Travelers’ overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Göreme Dervish Ceremony points to its captivating authenticity and exceptional value, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 46 reviews.

Guests consistently praised the transportation, which received a 4.7/5 rating, and the ceremony’s value for money (4.2/5).

Multiple reviews highlighted the professionalism of the guides and the impactful, immersive experience of witnessing the real dervishes perform their rituals.

Reviewers noted that the authenticity and depth of the ceremony made it a truly memorable highlight of their Cappadocia visit.

Mevlana’s 751st Reunion Anniversary

In 2024, the Göreme Dervish Ceremony will coincide with Mevlana’s 751st Reunion Anniversary Commemoration Ceremonies (Şeb-i Arus) taking place in Konya from December 7-17.

This annual event celebrates the life and teachings of the Sufi mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Visitors can expect to witness a unique blend of spirituality, music, and dance as dervishes perform their mesmerizing whirling rituals.

The ceremony in Göreme provides an opportunity to experience this cultural heritage firsthand. Those interested should book early, as the 751st anniversary is expected to draw large crowds to the region.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn about the legacy of Mevlana during your visit to Cappadocia.

Saruhan Caravanserai Experience

While the Göreme Dervish Ceremony takes place in a 12th-century Saruhan Kervansaray, or caravanserai, this historic inn offers visitors a unique insight into Cappadocia’s rich cultural heritage.

Serving as a resting place for merchants and travelers along the ancient Silk Road, the caravanserai’s architecture reflects the architectural styles of the Seljuk Turks.

Attendees can explore the ornate courtyard, domed ceilings, and intricate stonework that have endured for centuries.

Beyond the dervish performance, the Saruhan Kervansaray experience allows guests to step back in time and enjoy the history and traditions of this captivating region of Turkey.

Optional Activities

Beyond the core dervish ceremony, attendees can choose from an array of optional activities to enhance their cultural experience in Cappadocia. These include a traditional tea ceremony, browsing an arts and crafts market, enjoying a concert, and watching a performance of local folk dances.

The tea ceremony offers a chance to savor authentic Turkish tea and learn about the ritual.

The arts and crafts market showcases the region’s vibrant artisanal traditions, from pottery to textiles.

Concerts feature classical Turkish music, while the traditional dance show spotlights the captivating movements and costumes of Cappadocia’s folk heritage.

These optional add-ons provide a well-rounded immersion in the cultural richness of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should Participants Wear for the Ceremony?

Participants should wear comfortable, modest clothing for the dervish ceremony. Loose, flowing garments that allow freedom of movement are recommended. Avoid overly casual or revealing attire out of respect for the traditional spiritual setting.

Is Photography Allowed During the Ceremony?

Photography is generally allowed during the dervish ceremony, but participants are advised to be respectful and discreet. Flash photography may be prohibited to avoid disrupting the spiritual atmosphere. It’s best to consult the organizers for specific guidelines.

Are There Any Religious Requirements or Restrictions?

The dervish ceremony is a religious event that requires respectful behavior. There are typically no religious requirements for participants, but certain etiquette and modest attire may be expected to maintain the sacred atmosphere.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Event?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the event. The experience often includes an optional visit to an arts and crafts market, where participants can browse and purchase traditional Turkish handicrafts and mementos of the dervish ceremony.

Is There an Opportunity to Meet the Dervishes After the Ceremony?

Yes, there is typically an opportunity to meet the dervishes after the ceremony. Many tours include a chance for participants to interact with the performers and learn more about their traditions and practices.

Recap

The Göreme Dervish Ceremony at the historic Saruhan Kervansaray offers an immersive cultural experience.

Participants can witness the mesmerizing whirling dance of real dervishes, explore the region’s rich spiritual heritage, and enjoy optional activities like a traditional tea ceremony.

With convenient transfers and a starting price of $61.02 per person, this enchanting event promises an unforgettable glimpse into Cappadocia’s captivating traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: