Whirling Dervishes Show Istanbul

The Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul, also known as Mevlevi Order, is a Sufi religious group that originated in the 13th century in Konya, Turkey. The dervishes are known for their distinctive form of worship that involves whirling, a physically and mentally intense meditation that aims to bring the dervish closer to God. The whirling is performed in a long, white skirt that symbolizes the dervish's tombstone, and a tall conical hat that represents their ego being laid to rest.

The ceremony, known as the Sema, is a form of worship that combines music, poetry, and dance. The music is played on traditional instruments such as the ney flute and the kudum drum, and the poetry recited during the ceremony is from the great Sufi poet, Rumi. The whirling itself is a repetitive and hypnotic motion that is meant to induce a state of trance in the dervish, allowing them to enter into a deeper connection with the divine.

The Mevlevi Order was banned in 1925 by the Turkish government, but was later reinstated and is now performed at the Mevlana Cultural Center in Istanbul. The center is open to visitors, and the Sema ceremony is performed every Sunday and on special occasions. The experience of watching the Whirling Dervishes is both spiritual and captivating, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul.

In conclusion, the Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul is a unique and fascinating aspect of Turkish culture and spirituality. It is a testament to the power of faith and devotion, and a reminder of the universal human longing for connection with the divine.