Istanbul Galata Mawlawi House Museum of Turkey

The Istanbul Galata Mawlawi House Museum is included among the precious and historical museums of Istanbul. Situated in the locality of Tunel in the Beyoğlu district, this precious museum also attracts attention as the first Mawlawi House established in the city.  

Galata Mawlawi House Museum: Center of Mevlevi Sufism

The Museum (whirling-dervish hall) at the center of this tekke (dervish lodge) was built in 1491 and restored in 1608 and 2009. It's a part of a posh including a meydan-ı şerif (courtyard), çeşme (drinking fountain), türbesi (tomb), and hamuşan (cemetery). The best of six historic Mevlevihanesi (Mevlevi tekkes) remains in İstanbul; it was transformed into a museum in 1975. It's one of the Turkey museums you can add to your itinerary.

Displays include Sufi artifacts including clothing, turbans, and ceremonial accessories, in addition to traditional musical instruments. The Mevlevi Tarika, established within the central Anatolian city of Konya during the 13th century, thrived throughout the empire. Like several other orders, the Mevlevis stressed the unity of humankind before God, irrespective of creed. Taking their name from the good Sufi mystic and poet Celaleddin Rumi (1207–73), called Mevlana (Our Leader) by his followers, Mevlevis seek to recognize mystical communion with God through a ceremony involving chants, prayers, music, and a whirling dance.

This tekke's first şeyh (sheikh) was Şemaî Mehmed Çelebi, a grandson of the nice Mevlana. Dervish orders were banned within the time period of the Turkish Republic due to their ultraconservative religious politics. Although the ban has been lifted, only one or two functioning tekkes remain in İstanbul, including this one and therefore the İstanbul Bilim Sanat Kültür ve Eğitim Derneği in Fatih. Konya remains the guts of the Mevlevi order. The hamuşan is stuffed with stones with graceful Ottoman inscriptions, including the tomb of Galip Dede, the 17th-century Sufi poet whom the road is named after.

What’s Mawlavi Ritual? What does Whirling Dervish Mean?

Mawlawi dervishes receive their names from Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Mevlana may be a philosopher, poet, and opinion leader who lived between 1207 and 1273 in Konya. Whirling Dervish Performance is the ritual sort of Mawlavi Dervishes, and it is often watched as a show today. Although it's performed at a theatre hall, if you specialize in its thousands of years of holy meaning, you'll be able to enjoy it even more.

Galata Mevlevihanesi Whirling Dervishes Performance Hall

Galata Mawlavi home is undoubtedly the foremost famous dervish center in Istanbul. It’s located on the ramp from Galata Tower to Tunnel Square and Istiklal Avenue (named as Galip Dede Street). Shows are performed at 17:00 every Sunday. The hall where the show is performed can delay up to 150 spectators. Therefore, you're suggested to shop for your tickets earlier within the day. During the days when the interest is high, it'd be hard to seek out a ticket round the point of the show.
 

Hodjapasha Cultural Center Whirling Dervish Show

Hodjapasha Cultural Center was founded where an old Ottoman hamam wanted to be. It boasts a pleasant hall and an experienced group of whirling dervishes. It’s located at Cagaloglu Yokusu, nearby Sirkeci Tram Station, and Marmaray Sirkeci Station. Hodjapasha attracts the eye of tourists furthermore as locals because of being one in every of the most effective places to look at traditional folk dances of Turkey and dervish shows.

Best Seasons to Visit

Sacred moments await year-round at the Galata Mawlawi House, though each season paints this spiritual sanctuary in different hues. Thoughtful timing rewards visitors with richer experiences, as the museum's character shifts with passing months.

Spring and Fall Benefits

Golden light bathes the museum grounds during spring and fall months. March through May and September through November offer perfect moments to explore, when gentle breezes and modest crowds allow peaceful contemplation. These months reveal the grounds' full splendor - ancient tombstones cast long shadows across the cemetery while traditional fountains sparkle under clear skies.

December sparkles with special magic as Mevlana Week fills these hallowed halls. Spiritual seekers gather to honor Jalaluddin Rumi's legacy through distinctive ceremonies and cultural gatherings that illuminate his timeless teachings.

Summer Peak Hours

Summer sun draws countless souls to these sacred spaces, particularly during July and August. Fortune favors early arrivals, as merely 150 witnesses may share these transcendent moments.

Dawn's first light marks the wisest hour for summer visits, especially for those seeking seats at dervish ceremonies. These sacred performances follow ancient traditions of first-come, first-served seating. Quiet weekday mornings offer sanctuary from peak crowds.
 

Planning Your Visit

Sacred wisdom lies in mindful preparation. Let these earthly details guide your spiritual journey.

Opening Hours

Summer sunlight extends museum hours from 09:00 to 20:00 (April 1 to October 1). Winter's shorter days adjust visiting times to 09:00 to 18:30 (October 1 to April 1). Sacred spaces require tending - thus doors remain closed each Monday.

Mystical whirling ceremonies unfold every Sunday evening at 6 PM. These hour-long rituals offer glimpses into ancient Mevlevi traditions that transcend mere performance.

Ticket Prices

Passage through these hallowed gates requires 265 TL. Bearers of the Istanbul Museum Pass may enter freely. 

Visiting times of museums in Istanbul may change thanks to events and renovations. So make sure to check before your visit.

FAQS

Q1. Is Galata Mevlevihanesi also known as the Mevlevi Museum?

Yes, Galata Mawlawi House Museum is also known as the Mevlevi Museum. It's located in Istanbul and showcases the history and culture of the Mevlevi order.

Q2. How much does it cost to go to Galata Museum?

The entrance fee to the Galata Mawlawi House Museum is approximately 265 Turkish Liras. However, prices may vary, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Q3. What is a dervish lodge?

A dervish lodge, or tekké, is a place where Sufi dervishes come together to engage in spiritual practices like chanting, dancing, and meditating.

Q4. When is the best time to visit the Galata Mawlawi House Museum?

The best times to visit are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the museum grounds are less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.

Discover the rich history of the Galata Mawlawi House Museum and secure your spot on one of our  Turkey Tours today!