Whirl To Transformation | DIP Returns to Istanbul
Date Change for the Istanbul Workshop
July 17–18–19, 2026
 
 
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
We originally planned this gathering for the end of February. However, our host venue, Be Health Universe, has unexpectedly had to begin urgent renovation/renewal work, which means the studio will not be available on those dates. In addition, due to the Dervish in Progress team’s European program and a full calendar, the nearest shared time we can devote to Istanbul is now confirmed as July 17–18–19, 2026. We kindly ask for your understanding regarding this necessary change, and we sincerely look forward to meeting again in July, with the same intention, the same desire, and the same joy of sharing.
 
New Dates, Same Excitement | Workshop Information
“A true wise one knows that enlightenment is not a goal, but a meaning. The greatest gift you can give yourself is your own transformation.” Lao Tzu
 
This invitation carries the excitement of opening space for curious minds and kindred spirits who choose to meet in Istanbul. In Türkiye, spinning is often associated with the Mevlevi tradition and known through its historical narrative; yet at its core, it is both an instrument of Sufism and a universal practice that appears at the heart of many spiritual lineages.
 
The DIP (Dervish in Progress) vision continues to grow through 30 years of artistic experience across 50 countries, and through an ongoing scientific and spiritual search. Performances, workshops, and retreats shaped by this vision have brought tens of thousands of people together worldwide. With this event, we invite you to join this journey of transformation.
 
Guided by Ziya Azazi, an artist and teacher who has been sharing spinning worldwide with a strong sense of responsibility for about 25 years, this workshop aims to hold space for the needs and questions of those who wish to deepen, while also offering a safe, clear, step-by-step roadmap for those taking their first steps into turning.
 
Spinning is not only movement; it can work like a pathway toward awakening. Rhythmic turning brings balance, focus, and breath onto the same axis, creating a learning field that supports the nervous system’s capacity to adapt (neuroplasticity). This is why, in DIP, technique is not tied to a goal, but to awareness and transformation.
 
Throughout the workshop, we work through DIP’s core terminology and practice principles. Mechanics such as axis, gravity, friction, inner pressure, the center–periphery relationship, and safe acceleration are explored alongside physical endurance, mental clarity, and emotional regulation. Through the cycle of Learn–Implement–Become, spinning goes beyond a skill and becomes a centering practice that can be carried into everyday life.
 
At the heart of the guidance is a safe and sustainable learning line, maximum extension, minimum stress, and maximum breath. By the end of three days, participants gain a clearer map of both the physical and inner layers of spinning.
 
Event Details
Venue: Be Health Universe (Metro City Mall, Social Floor, Gym)
Address: Esentepe Mahallesi, Büyükdere Caddesi, No 171/1, Istanbul/TR
 
Dates and Hours
  • Deposit: 90 € (non-refundable)
  • Early Bird (2 days): 170 € (until March 15)
  • Early Bird (3 days): 225 € (until March 15)
  • Regular (2 days): 190 €
  • Regular (3 days): 250 €
  • DIP Community (2 days): 170 €
  • DIP Community  (3 days): 225 €
 
Who Can Participate & Important Note
The workshop is open to everyone aged 18 and above; no previous spinning experience is required. Beginners must attend starting from Friday. For this reason, joining all three days is strongly recommended to fully experience the intention of the workshop.
 
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes, a spare T-shirt, a towel, thick socks, slippers, or shoes suitable for spinning.
 
Booking & Payment
You can reserve your place by clicking the payment button. As an alternative payment method, you may also pay at the Be Health Universe reception or via bank transfer to the account below.
 
HANCROSS SPOR VE TURİZM HİZMETLERİ ANONİM ŞİRKETİ
IBAN: TR080006701000000058644990
(Only for Turkish Lira transfers)
SWIFT Code (EUR, USD): YAPITRISXXX
 
More Information
Be Health Universe:
Reception: 0212 344 07 07
WhatsApp: +90 549 465 34 97
 
Dervish in Progress Team:
DIP WhatsApp: +43 660 5860660
 
“We have this one life to appreciate the grand design of the universe, and for that I am extremely grateful.” Stephen Hawking

Who can participate
Everyone aged 18 and above can participate, no experience is required. Due to the limited number of spots, priority will be given based on registration order.
Workshop Language is English. Turkish translation will be available.
 
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes, a towel, yoga mat, and thick socks or spinning shoes. DIP shop will be open at Suhan Hotel Cappadocia for whirling equipment.

Payment
 
1100 Euro (VAT included, double room per person)
Single room additional fee: 200 Euro (VAT included)
 
  • Early Bird Discount %10 (Full payment before October 10, 2024)
  • DIP Family Discount %15 (For 5 or more times DIP workshop participants, first payment before October 10th)
  • DIPTEP Discount %20 (DIP Teachers and DIPTEP Students, first payment before October 10th))
  • All discounts are valid until 10th of October.
  • Regular fee can be payed in 3 installments (October, November and December 1st)
  • Please send your payment receipt to info@gorilla.com.tr to reserve your spot.

 

Text Content Crator
Aslı Tur 
Travel Guru by Gorilla

 
PAYPAL
@ZiyaAzazi, Vienna/AT
ziya.azazi@gmail.com
 
Bussines Account
BANK AUSTRIA
IBAN: AT531200010036338571
BIC: BKAUATWW

Accommodation
 
Anemon Grand Konya Hotel
5 star city hotel with open buffet Turkish breakfast, delicious dinners, fitness center, Turkish bath, sauna, steam room and free wi-fi.
 
Suhan Cappadocia Hotel & Spa
Nestled in the historic district of Avanos, this 5-star hotel features a swimming pool, a health club, Turkish Bath and wi-fi throughout the property.
 
Tour Schedule
 
December 16, Monday 
12:00 Check-In Anemon Hotel, Konya
16:00 Meet the team + Lecture with Ziya Azazi 
18:30 Dinner (Hotel)
20:00 The 751st Anniversary of Rumi’s Passing International Commemoration Ceremonies - Sheb-i Arus” by Turkish Ministry of Culture, Mevlana Cultural Center
 
December 17, Tuesday
09:00 Breakfast (Hotel)
10:30 Konya City Tour (Rumi’s Tomb and Mevlana Museum, Shems-I Tebrizi Tomb and Mosque, Konyanüma Panorama Museum)
18:30 Dinner (Hotel)
20:00 Free time to discover diversity of sufi music and whirling dance performances at Konya city center.
 
December 18, Wednesday
09:00 Breakfast (Hotel)
10:30 Departure for Cappadocia
13:30 Lunch
14:00 Check-in Suhan Cappadocia Hotel
15:00 DIP Workshop with Ziya Azazi & Pharmasono Sound Journey by Meriç Fıratlı
18:30 Dinner (Hotel)
20:00 - 23:00 Performance by Ziya Azazi & DIP Members 
 
December 19, Thursday
09:00 Breakfast
10:30 DIP Workshop with Ziya Azazi & Pharmasono Sound Journey by Meriç Fıratlı
13:00 Lunch (Hotel)
14:30 DIP Workshop with Ziya Azazi & Pharmasono Sound Journey by Meriç Fıratlı
18:30 Dinner (Hotel)
20:00 Performance by Ziya Azazi & DIP Members 
21:00-23:00 DIP Whirling with Ziya Azazi & Pharmasono Sound Journey by Meriç Fıratlı
 
December 20, Friday
09:00 Breakfast
10:30 DIP Workshop with Ziya Azazi & Pharmasono Sound Journey by Meriç Fıratlı
13:00 Lunch (Hotel)
14:30 DIP Workshop with Ziya Azazi & Pharmasono Sound Journey by Meriç Fıratlı
18:30 Dinner (Hotel)
20:00 DIP White Night (Open end)
 
December 21, Saturday
09:00 Breakfast + Check out
10:00-16:00 Ancient City Guided Tour (Üç Güzeller, Üçhisar, Güvercinlik Valley, Göreme Open Air Archeological Museum)
Check-out time for participants who will not be participating to the tour is 12:00