Sufi & Yoga Retreats in Turkey
Spiritual retreats in Turkey in the footsteps of Rumi: Sufi whirling, yoga, meditation and breathwork in Konya, Cappadocia and Istanbul, from 8 to 15 days.
15-Day Path of Love in Konya and Cappadocia
In the footsteps of Rumi and Shams
A journey through some of Turkey's most important historical and cultural destinations, exploring love, spirituality and transformation through the heritage of Rumi…
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The Path of Love: Nâm Yoga, Active Meditation and Whirling
Movement, meditation, music and poetry in the tradition of Rumi
A shorter Path of Love journey combining Nâm Yoga, active meditation, breathwork and whirling with the spiritual traditions associated with Rumi and…
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12-Day Soul Journey in the Footsteps of Rumi
Yoga, meditation, Sufi whirling and cultural discovery
Twelve days through Turkey exploring the spiritual heritage of Rumi and love as a path of inner transformation.
Explore Journey →Why Turkey for a spiritual retreat?
Few places hold the memory of the heart the way Turkey does. This is the land where the 13th-century poet and mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi met his companion Shams of Tabriz, and where their friendship gave birth to some of the most loved poetry ever written about love, longing and awakening. Rumi's tomb in Konya still welcomes visitors from every faith, and the whirling ceremony of the Mevlevi order, the sema, continues to turn in his honour.
A retreat in Turkey is therefore more than yoga in a beautiful place. It is a journey into a living spiritual tradition, travelling between ancient cities, open landscapes and quiet practice, and letting each place speak to something inside you.
The Path of Love: Rumi, Shams and the turning meditation
Our Turkey journeys are built around what we call the Path of Love: the idea, at the heart of Rumi's teaching, that love itself can become a path of inner transformation. Alongside the travel, you practise yoga, meditation, breathwork and, on some journeys, Nâm Yoga, active meditation and Sufi whirling. Whirling is approached as a meditation in movement: a gentle, guided practice of turning around your own centre, never as a performance.
Choose your journey in Turkey
15-Day Path of Love in Konya and Cappadocia
Our longest journey travels through Istanbul, Troy, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Göbekli Tepe, Konya, Ephesus and Cappadocia, combining meditation, breathwork, yoga and cultural travel with the heritage of Rumi and Shams. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate participants. Discover the 15-day journey.
12-Day Soul Journey in the Footsteps of Rumi
Twelve days of yoga, meditation, Sufi whirling and cultural discovery, centred on love as a path of inner transformation. Discover the 12-day journey.
The Path of Love: Nâm Yoga, Active Meditation and Whirling
A shorter journey of eight to nine days that explores the relationship between movement, meditation, music, poetry and spiritual awareness through Nâm Yoga, active meditation, breathwork and whirling. Discover the shorter Path of Love.
When to travel
Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons for travelling through central and western Turkey, with mild days for exploring and cooler evenings for practice. In December, Konya hosts Şeb-i Arus, the commemoration of Rumi's passing on 17 December, when whirling ceremonies draw visitors from around the world. Dates for each of our journeys are shared personally: ask us about the next edition.
Who are these journeys for?
They are for travellers who want more than sightseeing: people drawn to Sufi poetry and music, to meditation and movement, or simply to a slower, more meaningful way of discovering Turkey. You do not need to be an experienced yogi. Sana Ezzine, founder of The Peace Center, guides the yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to join a Sufi or yoga retreat in Turkey?
No. Our 15-Day Path of Love is suitable for beginners and intermediate participants, and whirling is taught gently as a meditation in movement. If you have a health condition, tell us when you enquire so we can talk it through with you.
What is Sufi whirling?
Sufi whirling is a moving meditation associated with Rumi and the Mevlevi tradition, in which you turn slowly around your own centre while keeping your awareness on the heart. On our journeys it is introduced step by step as a personal practice, not a performance.
Which Turkey retreat should I choose?
Choose the 15-day journey if you want the widest travel experience, from Istanbul to Cappadocia; the 12-day Soul Journey for a deeper focus on Rumi and whirling; or the shorter 8 to 9 day Path of Love if your time is limited. Our short questionnaire can help you decide.
Who leads the journeys?
Sana Ezzine, the founder of The Peace Center, is the instructor and guide for the yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices.
What is Şeb-i Arus?
Şeb-i Arus, the "wedding night", marks the anniversary of Rumi's death on 17 December 1273. Each December, Konya holds commemorations with sema (whirling) ceremonies in honour of the poet.
How do I find out dates and reserve a place?
Send us a message or fill in our Find Your Retreat questionnaire. Sana replies personally with dates, the full programme and how to reserve your place.
Tell us a little about yourself and we will suggest the journey that fits you.
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