Whirling Dervishes

Apparently, whirling dervishes trace their origins back to the 13th century Ottoman Empire, and they whirl as a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The "dervish" part of their name comes from a common term for an initiate of the Sufi Path.

When the dervishes entered the foyer, they were wearing black cloaks, to symbolize the tomb. They then removed these and bowed to each other before beginning to whirl. Their long, white skirts represent the shroud, and the dervishes extend their arms with the right palm facing upward to allow energy to enter, and their left palm facing downward to allow the energy to pass into the earth. This music and dance ceremony is known as the "sema." It was really fascinating to watch them whirl around, because for the most part, they remained in one spot the entire time and their arms were kept at the same level (which is really difficult, if you've ever tried to do it). They also did appear to be in a trancelike state as they twirled.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• whirling
• dervishes
• Istanbul
• Turkey
• sema
• dhikr

[mattsmoski3737]

I think I could spin like that too, not much talent.

[MissSimmy73]

Islamistheonlytruth1 it is an islamic thing done by hz mevlana he was important as a profit research and learn the facts before you talk.

[onderredno]

@Islamistheonlytruth1 shut up islamic cunt,Turkey is not like your retart muslim country,its demogratic muslim country,,go fuck your sister son of bitch

[Islamistheonlytruth1]

THIS IS NOT ISLAMIC AND ITS SHAMEFUL ANY MUSLIM TO FOLLOW DO YOUR RESEARCH EDUCATE YOURSELF

[Kramerzify]

It saddens me, that my own country doesn't recognize and embrace cultures of all the world. This is a tradition from the great Islamic culture that was once the pinnacle of civilization. Long may it continue and be preserved.

[slivertin]

@lancetop VERY NICE COMMENT.

[lancetop]

Anyone that sees this has to be a better person for it. This is a high achievement of man. Man's wars and destructions are at the other end. If only man could live for art, music and dance (even though I realize this is not dance.)

[tobesograteful]

I want to see what happens to them when they stop!

[eshedu1]

ess alejkum, as Imam AL GAZALI sad, i looked everyway but u culd not find MY SELF!!

TILL I LOOKED INSIDE MY SELF,THAN I KNOW WHER TO FIND HIM!!!SUSTEINER OF EVRITHING,

[sharpielicker]

@rosegunblack You don't know what plagiarization is.