On Thursday, 5 November 2026, the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) on Taksim Square hosts Sema Nedir Bilir Misin? (“Do You Know What Sema Is?”), a Sema experience that brings the centuries-old Mevlevi tradition together with digital art. The performance is presented by the İstanbul Meydan Meşkleri Topluluğu and lasts about 75 minutes. For guests staying in Beyoğlu, it is an easy way to see the whirling dervishes during a November trip.
until the performance starts · 5 November 2026, 20:00 Istanbul time
Sema Ceremony Istanbul 2026: What to Expect
According to the AKM event page, the Mevlevi mukabele and sema are presented with visual and audio layers created through digital art. The digital projections are inspired by the mental and emotional rhythms of the semazens (whirling dervishes), so the audience sees not only the movement of the sema but also reflections of its inner journey. The postnişin (the leader of the ceremony) is M. Fatih Çıtlak, and the art director is Yüce Gümüş.
What Is Sema?
Sema is the ceremony of the Mevlevi order, which grew from the teachings of the 13th-century poet and mystic Mevlâna Celaleddin Rumi. Dressed in white robes and tall felt hats, the semazens turn to musical accompaniment, in a ceremony understood as a spiritual journey. The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony is on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Sema is rooted in Mevlevi spiritual practice, so please watch respectfully and follow the venue’s guidance.
Date, Venue and Tickets
- Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026
- Time: 20:00 (Istanbul time)
- Duration: about 75 minutes
- Venue: AKM Theatre Hall, Taksim Square, Beyoğlu
- Performers: İstanbul Meydan Meşkleri Topluluğu
- Postnişin: M. Fatih Çıtlak · Art director: Yüce Gümüş
- Event information: official AKM event page
- Tickets: for tickets and availability, see Sanat Cepte
AKM asks guests to be at the door with their ticket at least one hour before the start, and late entry is not permitted once the performance has started. Recording is prohibited, and AKM’s published rules also prohibit bringing recording devices into the venue. You can find more upcoming performances on our Istanbul events page.
Staying in Beyoğlu for the Sema Ceremony
Faik Pasha Hotels is in Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu, the same district as AKM. Set in four historic 19th-century buildings, we offer rooms furnished with antiques, as well as suites and apartments with kitchens. Homemade breakfast is served in the courtyard. You can compare all options on our room types page.
Before and After the Performance
AKM stands on Taksim Square, where İstiklal Avenue begins. At the other end of İstiklal, near Tünel, the Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum tells the story of the Mevlevi order in Istanbul. Consider a daytime visit, checking current opening hours and accessible sections before you go, and combine it with a walk through Galata and Çukurcuma’s antique shops and cafés.
Practical Tips
- Be at the door with your ticket at least one hour before the start, as AKM asks; late entry is not permitted.
- Recording is prohibited; AKM’s published rules also prohibit bringing recording devices into the venue.
- Check ticket availability on Sanat Cepte before you travel.
- Taksim metro station (M2) is at Taksim Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Sema ceremony at AKM?
On Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 20:00, in the Theatre Hall of the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) on Taksim Square. It lasts about 75 minutes.
Is this a traditional Sema ceremony?
It is a Sema experience based on the Mevlevi tradition, presented with digital art, visuals and sound by the İstanbul Meydan Meşkleri Topluluğu.
Where can I buy tickets?
Ticket information and availability are on Sanat Cepte.
Where is Faik Pasha Hotels in relation to AKM?
Both are in the Beyoğlu district: the hotel is in Çukurcuma and AKM is on Taksim Square.
How can I book a stay for the performance?
Send us your travel dates and number of guests on WhatsApp or by email, and we will check availability for you.
Planning to attend? Contact us on WhatsApp or by email with your travel dates and number of guests to check availability and book your stay directly.
WhatsApp +90 530 025 66 43reservations@faikpashahotels.com
Featured image: Sema ceremony. Photo: Baltazar Faunbäck / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photos in this article are illustrative and are not from the AKM performance.