Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Whirling Dervishes
Over 700 years after the foundation of the Mevlevi brotherhood of whirling dervishes, you
can see
semas
(whirling dervish ceremonies) in locations including İstanbul (see boxed
text,
Click here
)
and Cappadocia.
Semas
crackle with spiritual energy as the robe-clad con-
stellation of dancers perform this trancelike ritual. The ceremony begins and ends with
chanted passages from the Koran and is rich with symbolism; the dervishes' conical felt
hats represent their tombstones, as the dance signifies relinquishing earthly life to be reborn
in mystical union with God.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search