Ottoman Extravaganza
(Istanbul, Turkey)
Silversea Experience-Free Feature

Silversea is pleased to invite you to a musical, visual and culinary extravaganza for your overnight stay in Istanbul. This gala event will include entertainment ranging from a colorful costumed military band to the ritual dance of the Whirling Dervishes and a band playing for your listening pleasure during dinner and for dancing afterwards.

A sumptuous dinner of traditional and international dishes, accompanied by a selection of local wines, beer and soft drinks, will be another highlight of your evening.

The venue for this evening's event is no other than the palace section of the celebrated Ciragan Palace Hotel. Overlooking the legendary Bosphorus, the palace was originally in the mid-19th century. The finest marble and mother-of-pearl were brought from all over the world. The palace was completed at a total cost of five million Ottoman gold liras. As it turned out, the Sultan only spent there a few months, complaining that the palace was too damp to live in. After a fire destroyed the building, it was some time before restoration returned it to its former glory.

A drive of about 20 minutes will bring you to Ciragan Palace. The Ottoman Military Band will greet your arrival with a rousing welcome. The Mether, as the band was called, was accompanying the Ottoman troops on their conquests, creating a tremendous din from their mounted timpani, horns and bagpipes. Upon retreating, many of these instruments were left behind and eventually found their way into the orchestrations of such illustrious composers as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and even John Phillip SoUSA.

Enjoy a cocktail before moving into the ballroom, where you will be treated to a performance of the Whirling Dervishes. To the sounds of haunting music and clad in white robes, with full skirts and conical red hats, the Dervishes unfurl their arms and begin their ritual dance for you. The whirling motion represents the relinquishing of their earthly life to be reborn in mystical union with God. As the dance is synonymous to a worship ceremony, no alcohol will be served during the performance.