Galata Mevlevi Monastery-Mevlevihane

Galata Mevlevi Monastery-Mevlevihane Overview

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The 18th century Galata Mevlevi Monastery is one of the few functioning Dervish lodges in the city. Home to the Museum of Divan Literature, a collection of Mevlevi writing, calligraphy and musical instruments is displayed on site.The building itself dates from 1796. It was restored several times during its history, more recently in 2008.

Inside the Monastery there is a dedicated ceremonial hall where Sufi Whirling Dervish ceremonies take place regularly. There are galleries above which once seated the orchestra and visitors, although these days only the ceremony musicians grace these.

There is also an on-site graveyard which accommodates the tomb of the 17th century Sufi poet, Galip Dede, along with the graves of two Islam converts: Claude Alexandre, Comte de Bonnevala, a French nobleman and bombadier; and Ibrahim Müteferrika, a Hungarian Unitarian who went on to establish the first Arabic/Ottoman moveable-type printing press. Visitors will notice hats of differing styles on top of the tombs; these indicate religious rank.

Galata Mevlevi Monastery is on Galip Dede Street at the end of Istiklal Street, near Tünel.

Practical Information:

Opening Hours: Istanbul Galata Mevlevi Monastery is open from 9am- 4pm every Wednesday- Monday. Whirling Dervish ceremonies must be booked in advance.