Whirling Dervish Ceremony Istanbul

Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, also called Mevlana, was a famous Sufi mystic who lived in the 13th century. He founded the Mevlevi Sufi Order in the city of Konya in 1273.The Mevlevi Order follows a spiritual path in Islam. One of its most well-known practices is the Whirling Dervishes ceremony. This special dance is a way for Sufi followers to connect with God. It is also the final step for those who want to fully join the Order.

The ceremony is based on the idea that everything in the universe moves in circles. Just like the earth spins around the sun, and day turns into night, life and death are also part of this whirling motion. The dervishes wear long white robes and tall hats as they spin in a trance-like state.

They believe that through whirling, they can reach a higher spiritual level. Their dance is a form of prayer, helping them to let go of their egos and become closer to God. The Whirling Dervishes tradition has continued for centuries and is still practiced today in Turkey and other parts of the world.