The Whirling Dervishes are followers of the Mevlevi Sufi Order, an Islamic mystical tradition rooted in the teachings of the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, Jalal al-Din Rumi. They are particularly associated with Turkey, where Jalal al-Din Rumi’s tomb is located in the city of Konya.
What makes the Whirling Dervishes special is their sacred Sema Ceremony, where they wear distinctive robes and tall hats to perform their unique and graceful whirling dance. This spinning is believed to symbolise a spiritual journey towards divine connection and enlightenment.
A Whirling Dervish show is a mesmerising and cultural experience that allows you to witness the special spiritual dance yourself. If you’re visiting Turkey, this unique cultural performance should be on your must-see list.
HISTORY OF THE WHIRLING DERVISHES
The history of the Whirling Dervishes is closely tied to the founder of the Mevlevi Order, Jalal al-Din Rumi. The Whirling Dervishes started around 800 years ago when Rumi’s followers developed a special dance called the Sema ceremony, where they spin in circles.
This dance is meant to show their love for God and connect with the divine. This is because their religion involves seeking a deeper and more direct personal experience of the divine, focusing on the inward search for spiritual truth and closeness to God. They believe that they can attain spiritual insight and union with the divine through practices such as meditation, prayer, and chanting.
Over the centuries, the Mevlevi Order faced periods of persecution and suppression during various historical events in the Ottoman Empire. However, in the 20th century, there was a revival of interest in Sufi practices, and the Sema ceremony was reintroduced as a cultural and spiritual event in Turkey and beyond.
WHAT DOES THE WHIRLING REPRESENT
The Whirling Dervishes whirl as part of their spiritual practice, which is rooted in the Sufi tradition of Islamic mysticism. The Sema ceremony holds deep symbolic significance and serves multiple purposes:
Spiritual Ascent: The whirling motion is seen as a form of meditation and a means of reaching a higher level of spiritual consciousness. It is believed to facilitate a connection with the divine and bring the dervishes closer to God.
Surrender and Unity: The whirling dervishes’ spinning represents a symbolic act of surrendering the self to the divine will. By spinning in unison, the dervishes symbolise unity with each other and the universe, transcending individual ego and embracing collective harmony.
Symbolism of Revolving Universe: The whirling motion is considered to represent the continuous rotation of the universe. It reflects the idea that everything in existence is in constant motion and that God’s divine presence can be found in every aspect of creation.
Ecstasy and Trance: The repetitive spinning, accompanied by rhythmic music and chanting, induces a state of ecstasy and trance. This altered state of consciousness allows the dervishes to detach from worldly concerns and experience a deeper connection to the divine.
Expression of Love: The Sema ceremony is often viewed as an expression of divine love. The dervishes’ whirling is an outward manifestation of their profound love and longing for God.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SHOW
We booked this show at the Kizlaragasi Medrese (Islamic school) in the heart of Istanbul. Tickets cost 600 Turkish Lyra (21 USD/person). As we walked into the venue, we were instructed to choose our own seats and settle in. They delivered a bottle of water and a cup of tea for all of the audience.
The Sema Ceremony consisted of 4 parts:
Naat-I Sharif: The ceremony began with the naat, where a singer recited a eulogy to the prophet Muhammad. The first 20 minutes of the show involved the singer and accompanying musicians playing religious music.
Devr-i Veled: The Devr follows, where the dervishes walk slowly to match the rhythm of the music. They partake in the Sultan Veled Walk, which is the salutation of one soul to another, acknowledged by bowing.
The Four Salems: The Salems is when the dervishes start to spin, and this is the main part of the ceremony. Each of the Salems represent a different meaning, including truth, creation, love, and submission to God.
Quran Recitation: Reciting from the Quran is the final stage of the ceremony. The verses said during the recitation are “God is in the East and West, and His face is everywhere.”
The show lasted for 1 hour, and we were allowed to take photos and videos during the ceremony, as long as no flash was used.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
Arrive Early: The seats are generally first come first serve, so to get a front row seat plan to arrive early to secure good seats.
Photography Restrictions: Some venues do not permit photography or recording during the Sema ceremony. Check with the venue in advance if you want to take photos!
Overall, the Whirling Dervish ceremony was a very interesting and cultural experience. Make sure to catch a show next time you’re in Turkey!
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