Saruhan Kongre ve Kültür Merkezi

If you can’t see the dervishes in Konya, the heart of Sufi Islam and the final resting place of the Mevlana, this is a decent place to see them. It’s a must-​do during a first trip to Turkey, such a unique cultural experience you can’t really get elsewhere in the world. The dervishes here are really skilled and very invested in their practice; in particular there was one very young man, possibly a teenager, who was absolutely captivating to observe.
I love the building this is in, an old caravanserai repurposed for the performances of the dervishes. It feels very archaeological and full of history.
I also really liked that they didn’t allow photographs for most of the performance, but did allow them for a short period at the end. I thought that was a very professional way to keep with the sacredness of the performance but still give tourists what they want.
I could have done without the cheesy video at the end, and maybe with some more explanation at the beginning about what the dervishes are, why the whirling started, and the significance to Turkey. I’ve worked in Konya for 5 years but was traveling with family and wish they could have had a more educational and not just atmospheric/​cultural experience. This seems to be the root of all the dissatisfied reviews you can find online… People don’t feel very engaged and don’t feel they really understand what they are watching. Again– one more reason to see them in Konya rather than Cappadocia. We didn’t have a choice, and if you don’t either, this isn’t a bad plan B… as long as you come prepared for a sort of quick in-​and-​out, you-get-it-or-you-don’t kind of evening.

A great place to see a whirling dervish ceremony .It’s an old caravansary and you are right on top of the celebrants. You don’t have a cast of thousands and you don’t need one. If your in the area, this is a must.