Galata Mevlevihanesi (Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum)

Galata Mevlevihanesi (Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum) Review

Istanbul's oldest Mevlevi dervish lodge, which served as a meeting place and residence for "whirling dervishes" (followers of the Sufi mystic Celaleddin Rumi) was founded on this site in 1491 and rebuilt after a fire in 1765. Recently restored, it now houses a small but interesting museum with displays of dervish garments, handicrafts, and other artifacts, along with background information about the Mevlevi order and Sufism more generally. The biggest draw are the sema dance ceremonies (popularly knowing as whirling dervish ceremonies) that are performed once each weekend in the lodge's ceremonial hall; check days/times in advance.