The Top Things To See And Do In Istiklal Street, Istanbul

This museum was built in tribute to the ceremony conducted by Turkey’s infamous order of whirling dervishes. The ceremony denotes an ancient practice of spinning in a deep prayer trance, arms raised in praise of God. It is a ceremony that only those admitted into the order can perform and is one of the most fascinating spectacles that travelers can witness in Turkey. This museum archives many artifacts and documents from the long history of this ceremony, including its outlawing in the 1920s and even its origins.

The Majestic Cinema is a modern cinema with a vintage twist – it has the refreshing feeling of an independent cinema rather that the identical and polished chain cinemas that we’re more accustomed to. The venue is smaller than a traditional cinema and shows Turkish as well as English-speaking films. Experience a comforting taste of home with an a blockbuster in English or try something new and watch a Turkish movie.

If you want to sample the very best traditional Turkish desserts then look no further than this famous landmark. The patisserie offers many well known and lesser known Turkish sweet treats. From baklava (a rich pastry layered with chopped nuts and covered in sweet syrup), to lokma (fried, crispy balls of dough in a sweet syrup, both at once crisp and deliciously gooey). You’ll leave Saray Muhallebicisi not only with an even sweeter tooth, but besotted with Turkish cuisine.