Pamukkale Dervish Show

Looking for an alternative night outing? Join Pamukkale Dervish Show, and fill your night with colours, music, mysticism, and emotions. Dervish Show unfolds the story and tradition of Dervishes, the Sufi Muslim Ascetics, and promises to offer you some outstanding, long-lasting memories.

Available at night, this ceremony projects a unique blend of mysticism and excitement, along with a deep cultural exploration, and ensures a plethora of emotions for spectators. Watch the infamous Circling of Veled, understand the symbolism behind each performance, and unfold the strict lifestyle of these people. Our Pamukkale Dervish Show is a great alternative night outing for people of all ages.

Expect to feel a unique and special atmosphere, and to understand the lifestyle and the beliefs of Sufi Muslim Ascetics, with a ceremony that you will remember for a long time. This experience is available in the evening, and begins with a pick-up service from your hotel.  With a short drive, you will arrive at the village of Karahayit, where the ceremony takes place. Upon your entrance, get ready to experience the unique atmosphere of this place, and to feel the flawless mysticism. Even though many believe that this is a show, please keep in mind that it is an actual ceremony. Therefore, make yourself comfortable, and avoid interruptions. The Dervishes Ceremony is ideal for both, adults, and kids, as they can learn many interesting information about the culture and lifestyle of the Dervishes.

Dervishes are Sufi Muslim Ascetics practising a very strict lifestyle, that is on the verge of extreme austerity. In fact, they believe that the only way to reach God, is to desert their ego. This ceremony is a symbolisation of their efforts to reach God, and is exercised for 800 years. The most important highlight, that you’ve probably seen in pictures before, is the Circling of Veled. This atmospheric and spiritual performance symbolises the resurrection from the grave. As they are circling around, you can observe their clothes and understand the meaning behind each move. Each piece of their costume has a special meaning. For example, their cloak symbolizes the grave,while the hat represents the gravestone. The music, the light, and the perfectly executed ceremony is about to fill you with awe and emotions. By the end of this spectacular ceremony, a comfortable vehicle will drive you back to Pamukkale, and drop you off at your hotel at night.