WHIRLING DERVISHES CEREMONY
Whirling Dervishes ceremonies start at 21:00 in winter and 21:30 in summer every night. The whole ceremony takes around one hour and we offer 'Serbet', a religious drink, after the ceremony. Turkish Heritage Travel picks you up from your hotel in Goreme or other towns ofCappadocia half an hour earlier, which will give you enough time to see the parts of the caravanserai prior to ceremony.The rate of the ceremony is 35 Euro per person including transfer. We offer free pick-up/drop-off service for all the hotels in Goreme, Urgup and Uchisar. The children under 10 years old will not be accepted to the ceremony. It is forbidden to take pictures during the ceremony.
Email us to book the famous Whirling Dervish ceremony.
HISTORY & INFORMATION ABOUT THE WHIRLING DERVISHES CEREMONY
Sema (Whirling dervishes ceremony), is the inspiration of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi (1207 - 1273) as well as part of the Turkish culture, belief and history in Konya. It symbolizes the different meanings of a mystic cycle to perfection (Ascension - Mirac).
Contemporary science definitely confirms that the fundamental condition of our existence is to revolve. There is no object, no being which does not revolve. Every thing whirls and man, a whirling dervish, carries on his life, his very existence by means of the revolution in the atoms, structural elements in his body, by the circulation of his blood, by his coming from the Earth and return to it, by his revolving with the Earth itself.
The Sema (whirling dervishes) ceremony represents all a mystical journey of man's spiritual ascent through love, finding the truth and arriving to the "Perfect". Then he returns from this spiritual journeys as a man who reached maturity and a greater perfection, so as to love and to be of service to the whole creation, to all creatures without discriminating in regard to belief, class, or race.
The dervish with his hat (his ego's tombstone), and his white skirt (his ego's shroud) is spiritually born to the truth. When he removes his black cloak, he journeys and advances to the spiritual maturity through the stages of the Sema. At the beginning and each stage of the Sema holding his arms crosswise he represents number one, and testifies to God's unity.
While whirling his arms are open, his right hand directed to the sky ready to receive God's beneficence, gazing his left hand turned toward the earth for giving what he received to poor, he turns from right to left, pivoting around the heart. This is his way of conveying God's spiritual gift to the people upon whom God "looks with a Divine" watchfulness. Revolving around the heart, from right to left, he embraces all of humankind, all the creation with affection and love.
Contemporary science definitely confirms that the fundamental condition of our existence is to revolve. There is no object, no being which does not revolve. Every thing whirls and man, a whirling dervish, carries on his life, his very existence by means of the revolution in the atoms, structural elements in his body, by the circulation of his blood, by his coming from the Earth and return to it, by his revolving with the Earth itself.
The Sema (whirling dervishes) ceremony represents all a mystical journey of man's spiritual ascent through love, finding the truth and arriving to the "Perfect". Then he returns from this spiritual journeys as a man who reached maturity and a greater perfection, so as to love and to be of service to the whole creation, to all creatures without discriminating in regard to belief, class, or race.
The dervish with his hat (his ego's tombstone), and his white skirt (his ego's shroud) is spiritually born to the truth. When he removes his black cloak, he journeys and advances to the spiritual maturity through the stages of the Sema. At the beginning and each stage of the Sema holding his arms crosswise he represents number one, and testifies to God's unity.
While whirling his arms are open, his right hand directed to the sky ready to receive God's beneficence, gazing his left hand turned toward the earth for giving what he received to poor, he turns from right to left, pivoting around the heart. This is his way of conveying God's spiritual gift to the people upon whom God "looks with a Divine" watchfulness. Revolving around the heart, from right to left, he embraces all of humankind, all the creation with affection and love.
CARAVANSERAIS AND SARUHAN (SARIHAN)
Whirling Dervishes ceremonies are performed in Sarihan Caravanserai everynight, but what is a caravanserai?
Trade across Turkey in medieval Seljuk times was dependent on camel trains (kervan, anglicised as caravan), which stopped by night in inns known as kervansaray (caravanserai), literally 'caravan palaces'. These buildings provided accommodation and other amenities for the merchants and stabling for their animals.
During the reign of the Anatolian Seljuk sultans Kilicarslan II (1155-1192) and Alaaddin Keykubat I (1220-1237), a large number of kervansarays were built and security measures along the Silkroad and other trade roads increased. The state not only built kervansarays but compensated merchants who were attacked or robbed, so providing a kind of insurance system. As a result, both domestic and international trade expanded. Foreign merchants who came to Anatolia enjoyed extensive rights and reductions on customs duties.
All merchants of whatever nationality were provided with food and beverages free of charge for three days. Their shoes were repaired and new shoes were given to the poor. Treatment was available for the sick, animals were cared for and shoed if necessary. Each kervansaray employed a physician, imam (priest), inn keeper, superintendent of provisions, veterinary surgeon, blacksmith and cook to provide these services.
Trade across Turkey in medieval Seljuk times was dependent on camel trains (kervan, anglicised as caravan), which stopped by night in inns known as kervansaray (caravanserai), literally 'caravan palaces'. These buildings provided accommodation and other amenities for the merchants and stabling for their animals.During the reign of the Anatolian Seljuk sultans Kilicarslan II (1155-1192) and Alaaddin Keykubat I (1220-1237), a large number of kervansarays were built and security measures along the Silkroad and other trade roads increased. The state not only built kervansarays but compensated merchants who were attacked or robbed, so providing a kind of insurance system. As a result, both domestic and international trade expanded. Foreign merchants who came to Anatolia enjoyed extensive rights and reductions on customs duties.
All merchants of whatever nationality were provided with food and beverages free of charge for three days. Their shoes were repaired and new shoes were given to the poor. Treatment was available for the sick, animals were cared for and shoed if necessary. Each kervansaray employed a physician, imam (priest), inn keeper, superintendent of provisions, veterinary surgeon, blacksmith and cook to provide these services.
The Silk Road caravanserais of Cappadocia were built of hewn volcanic stone, and their walls were thick and high so that they would be safe from raids by robbers. Decoration was concentrated on the great portals which display the finest examples of Seljuk stone carving. The portal doors were made of iron to repel intruders.Sarihan, situated 15 km from Goreme, on the east of Avanos, is on the banks of the Damsa brook. It faces west, and consists of an indoor area with five naves and a courtyard. Sari Han is considered to have been built in 1249. It had a Turkish bath and a mesjid over the gatehouse and its external area (excluding the towers and portal) is 2,000 square meters. After the restoration process, it represents the best example of Anatolian caravanserais. Please visit our "Caravanserais" page for further information about caravanserais in Cappadocia. TURKISH NIGHT SHOW
The Turkish Night Show highlights the dance traditions of various regions of Turkey, complete with traditional costumes and of course, exhilarating belly dancers. This lively performance is a great way to enjoy traditional Turkish music, dancing and join in the festivities during audience participation.
The rate of the Turkish Night is 45 Euro per person including drinks and fruits or 50 Euro per person including drinks, fruits and dinner. Both of the rates also include transfer between hotel and restaurant. We will pick you up at your hotel at 20:00 (winter) or 20:30 (summer) and drive you to one of the cave restaurants where the show is performed nightly.
The show begins with Turkish folk dancers entering the stage and start dancing. Dancers, including the bride and groom, perform the traditional way in which a girl gets married in Turkey. The bride dressed in a beautiful red dress dances in the middle and the groomarrives to put on different shows for her. He first shows how handsome he is, and then how strong he is and finally how rich he is. After rejecting all these shows one by one, the bride accepts to get married with him when the groom tells that his heart beats for her. While they are starting their wedding dance, all the guests are invited to dance with them, as well.
After a couple of other folk dances from different parts of Turkey, the highlight of the night comes: Belly Dancer! She makes her breath-taking dance and then goes around all the tables to take one man from each table. The men have a great time while they are learning the secrets of belly-dancing with some basic movements.
After some other dances and shows like fire dance, Caucasian dance with knives and drum show, the night ends around 23:30 when we drive you back to your hotel for a deep sleep.
During the night the waiters will serve unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks with appetizers. The main course will be lamb with rice, the traditional wedding meal of Turkey.
The rate of the Turkish Night is 45 Euro per person including drinks and fruits or 50 Euro per person including drinks, fruits and dinner. Both of the rates also include transfer between hotel and restaurant. We will pick you up at your hotel at 20:00 (winter) or 20:30 (summer) and drive you to one of the cave restaurants where the show is performed nightly.
The show begins with Turkish folk dancers entering the stage and start dancing. Dancers, including the bride and groom, perform the traditional way in which a girl gets married in Turkey. The bride dressed in a beautiful red dress dances in the middle and the groomarrives to put on different shows for her. He first shows how handsome he is, and then how strong he is and finally how rich he is. After rejecting all these shows one by one, the bride accepts to get married with him when the groom tells that his heart beats for her. While they are starting their wedding dance, all the guests are invited to dance with them, as well.After a couple of other folk dances from different parts of Turkey, the highlight of the night comes: Belly Dancer! She makes her breath-taking dance and then goes around all the tables to take one man from each table. The men have a great time while they are learning the secrets of belly-dancing with some basic movements.
After some other dances and shows like fire dance, Caucasian dance with knives and drum show, the night ends around 23:30 when we drive you back to your hotel for a deep sleep.
During the night the waiters will serve unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks with appetizers. The main course will be lamb with rice, the traditional wedding meal of Turkey.
TURKISH BATH (HAMAM or HAMMAM)
The Turkish bath, also known as hamam or hammam, is one of the ancient world's most widely exported customs. The tradition of the Turkish bath was born generations ago, adopted from Romansand Byzantines and then perfected by the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks and has continued even until today.
We offer the long-established hamam experience in a luxurious modern hamam carved out of a cave – allowing our guests the best of both worlds; old-world tradition in a modern, luxury setting. To help you relax after your daily adventures in Cappadocia, our professional masseurs offer a variety of services in addition to the hamam ritual. Our luxury hamam also features a sauna.
We offer the long-established hamam experience in a luxurious modern hamam carved out of a cave – allowing our guests the best of both worlds; old-world tradition in a modern, luxury setting. To help you relax after your daily adventures in Cappadocia, our professional masseurs offer a variety of services in addition to the hamam ritual. Our luxury hamam also features a sauna.
"What happens in a Hamam?" Well, the ritual is simple. After being driven to the hamam our driver, you will find yourself in the Sicaklik. Sicaklik (also known as Hararet), a room filled with the sound of splashing water, the scent of soap, and wafting steam through which daily concerns and worries cannot penetrate. In the gentle moist heat your body relaxes, and your nerves are soothed. You sit down at one of the marble wash basins which line the walls, and adjusting the temperature of the water to a delicious warmth, dip the copper bathing bowl into the basin and tip the water over your head and body. Waves of relaxation seem to pour right through you as the water envelops your body.Laying on the warm stone in the center of the room, your attendant (tellak for men and natir for women) will pour hot water on you and begin to scrub every square inch of your body. Basically, every millimeter of dead and dirty skin is scrubbed off, even the skin between your fingers and toes.
Afterwards you are lathered with liquid soap and shampoo and given the choice of massage options (a little bit painful for the first time, but said to be well worth it). After the massage, the attendant will wash you from head to toe again as if you are a small child. One last shower and then it is time to leave the Sicaklik.
Then you are given fresh towels and again brought to Sogukluk (the cool room) to rest, dry off and marvel at your glowing, soft as a baby’s skin.
We offer several packages in our hamam. Here are the rates.
Turkish Bath & Sauna Price List
| ||
| Entrance to Hamam | - - - - - - - | 10 Euro |
| (Entrance is free with any massage purchase) | ||
| Peeling & Soap Massage | 30 min. | 30 Euro |
| Turkish Massage | 30 min. | 30 Euro |
| Classic Massage | 30 min. | 30 Euro |
| Aromatherapy | 40 min. | 35 Euro |
| Foot Reflex Massage | 40 min. | 35 Euro |
| Anti Stress Massage | 60 min. | 50 Euro |
| Medical Full Massage | 60 min. | 50 Euro |
| Swedish Massage | 60 min. | 50 Euro |
| Cleopatra Body Mask | 60 min. | 65 Euro |
Turkish Bath & Sauna Package Rates
| ||
| Peeling & Soap Massage & Full Massage & Mask | 70 min. | 60 Euro |
| Peeling & Soap Massage & Anti Stress & Mask | 90 min. | 80 Euro |
| Peeling & Soap Massage & Thai Therapy & Mask | 95 min. | 90 EuroTURKISH COOKING TOURS Turkish Cuisine Tours are scheduled tours operated by Turkish Heritage Travel agency aiming to teach guests, one of the most famous cuisines of the world.Cooking Class in Cappadocia This class will start at 10:00 from your hotel in Cappadocia. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive to a village house in Goreme. Here you will learn the most famous dishes of central Turkey: Dolma and Sarma. Dolma could be described as stuffed bell peppers. You will first take the seeds out of the peppers and have the pure part. Then , you fill inside with a mixture of meat, rice and some spices. The final part will be the cooking part.
This meal is served hot or cold, depending on which part of Turkey you are in. It is usually served hot and eaten as a main course in the Middle Anatolia region while it is served cold and eaten as a Meze in the Western Part.
 Sarma,which means rolling or wrapping will be your second recipe. It is basicly stuffed vine leaves cooked with olive oil. You will learn the tricks on choosing vine leaves and rolling techniques from local women who will be supervising you.Turkish Coffee is your last lesson. Coffee has created its own “culture” in Turkey are the famous words of the great Turkish 20th century poet, Yahya Kemal. A little bit more than a casual visit to Turkey would convince anyone that this is the case. Coffee for Turks is not simply a drink, but has its own history, its institutions (coffeehouses), its rituals, its own rules of when and how to drink it, and even a tradition of fortune-telling by reading the coffee grinds deposited at the bottom of a traditional Turkish coffee cup… Most Turks would find it superfluous to call it Turkish coffee: coffee is Turkish coffee. You will learn history and preparation of this highly respected drink. When it comes to lunch time, you will have dolma and sarma which you have just prepared with your own hands as well as some other side dishes and traditional desserts. This half-day cooking activity will start at 10:00 from your hotel and we will leave you back to hotel around 13:30. It is 50 Euro per person including lunch and pick-up and drop-off for hotel. The rate for a single person will be 75 Euro.
Letter of Recommendation
I cannot recommend Mustafa and Turkish Heritage Travel enough. Mustafa answered all our questions and literally made our trip to Turkey one of the most memorable times of our lives. He is a treasure. We feel we have made a friend for life and have already welcomed him into our home here in California. TURKISH COOKING TOURSTurkish Cuisine Tours are scheduled tours operated by Turkish Heritage Travel agency aiming to teach guests, one of the most famous cuisines of the world.Cooking Class in Cappadocia This class will start at 10:00 from your hotel in Cappadocia. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive to a village house in Goreme. Here you will learn the most famous dishes of central Turkey: Dolma and Sarma. Dolma could be described as stuffed bell peppers. You will first take the seeds out of the peppers and have the pure part. Then , you fill inside with a mixture of meat, rice and some spices. The final part will be the cooking part.
This meal is served hot or cold, depending on which part of Turkey you are in. It is usually served hot and eaten as a main course in the Middle Anatolia region while it is served cold and eaten as a Meze in the Western Part.
Sarma,which means rolling or wrapping will be your second recipe. It is basicly stuffed vine leaves cooked with olive oil. You will learn the tricks on choosing vine leaves and rolling techniques from local women who will be supervising you.Turkish Coffee is your last lesson. Coffee has created its own “culture” in Turkey are the famous words of the great Turkish 20th century poet, Yahya Kemal. A little bit more than a casual visit to Turkey would convince anyone that this is the case. Coffee for Turks is not simply a drink, but has its own history, its institutions (coffeehouses), its rituals, its own rules of when and how to drink it, and even a tradition of fortune-telling by reading the coffee grinds deposited at the bottom of a traditional Turkish coffee cup… Most Turks would find it superfluous to call it Turkish coffee: coffee is Turkish coffee. You will learn history and preparation of this highly respected drink. When it comes to lunch time, you will have dolma and sarma which you have just prepared with your own hands as well as some other side dishes and traditional desserts. This half-day cooking activity will start at 10:00 from your hotel and we will leave you back to hotel around 13:30. It is 50 Euro per person including lunch and pick-up and drop-off for hotel. The rate for a single person will be 75 Euro.
Letter of Recommendation
I cannot recommend Mustafa and Turkish Heritage Travel enough. Mustafa answered all our questions and literally made our trip to Turkey one of the most memorable times of our lives. He is a treasure. We feel we have made a friend for life and have already welcomed him into our home here in California. BELLY DANCING CLASSES Belly Dancing, also known as the Oriental Dance improves your body awareness and self esteem, which inspires you to have a more positive point of view of your own body -creating a better acceptance of yourself exactly the way you are.The Oriental Dance is fascinating to watch and pleasurable to dance. Dancing is an expression of the body; however, the Oriental dancer does not need to have a certain body type, religion, social level, race or age. It is very interesting to see the great results that belly dancing causes in the body, mind and soul. This dance develops and tones the muscles, oxygenates and massages the inner organs, and awakens your feminine energy. Raqs Sharqi, which means Oriental Dance in Arabic, is one of the oldest dance styles of the world. Some say that it was born in Egypt a million years ago and was spread to the Middle East and India by the Roma. In ancient Egypt women danced to celebrate life, fertility and to give a healthy birth to their children. Today belly dancing is performed for many occasions and is an excellent way to keep fit and express yourself through dance. We offer three types of Oriental dance (belly dancing) classes: Introduction to Oriental Dance: Learn to isolate and control your hips, chest and arms in rhythmic movements set to traditional Oriental dance music. In this 1.5 hour introductionto Belly Dancing Class, you will learn the basic hip, chest and arm movements to take your first steps into the mystical, world of the Oriental dancer. 30 Euros per personIntroduction to Oriental Dance + Veils: With this extended class, in addition to learning to isolate and control your hips, chest and arms in rhythmic movements – you will also learn how to add silk veils to your make your dance more captivating. This class is 3 hours, including a 10-minute refreshment break. 60 Euros per person Two-day Oriental Dance: This Oriental Dance class is offered as a 2-hour per day class, covering the basic dance movements and you will learn simple belly dancing choreography to practice on your own and delight your friends with this unique souvenir from your adventures in Turkey. 80 Euro per person. Please send us an email (info@goreme.com) to book the belly-dancing classes. We also offer a Roman Dance Class - The Traditional dance of Turkish Gypsies. Learn the unique 9/8 rhythm of the traditionalTurkish Roma as well as specific movements that express the daily life of the Roma woman - washing clothes, playing and listening to music, etc. Through this dance you can get an understanding of their point of view and way of life. Roman Dance Class: in this 2- hour class you will learn to capture the unique spirit of the Turkish Roman woman through their characteristic arm and hip movements to the expressive rhythm of Roman music. 40 Euros per person Please send us an email (info@goreme.com) to book the Roman Dancing Lessons. About the instructor: A professional dancer, Clara Sussekind is a native of Brazil where she studied classical dance and graduated from the Faculdade da Cidade in Rio de Janeiro. Clara became interested in the mystical world of Oriental Dance and dedicated her life to traveling the world, researching and performing such specialty dances as belly, Roman, Indian dances as well as the Dervish ritualistic turn. Clara has performed in Brazil, Spain, Egypt, Morocco, the Netherlands and now Turkey.She currently resides in Goreme and is the star of the Turkish Night where her solo performances includes The Dance of the Seven Veils, Sword Dance, Percussion and Roman dance as well as the breathtaking Egyptian Sema with decorative drums. |
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