Galata Mevlevi Lodge

This historic dervish lodge near the top of İstiklal Avenue was founded in the late fifteenth century as a centre of the Mevlevi Sufi order associated with the poet Rumi. Now a museum, it preserves a wooden octagonal ceremonial hall where the whirling sema ritual was once performed, along with displays of musical instruments, manuscripts and dervish attire. A tranquil courtyard, cemetery and fountain surround the building. Occasional performances of the sema still take place, offering a glimpse of the spiritual music of Ottoman life.