Whirling Dervishes Ceremony

10 Things To Know About Whirling Dervishes and Mevlana C. Rumi

Who are Whirling Dervishes ?

Whirling Dervishes, or Mevlevi Sufis, are followers of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, a 13th-century poet, scholar, and mystic. Rumi founded a spiritual path or philosophy based on principles such as love, seclusion, unity, peace, and tolerance. While the Sufi order existed in the Middle East, Persia, and Anatolia long before Rumi, with roots in mystical Islam dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad and the caliphs, Rumi and his followers added a unique cultural dimension of dance, music, and poetry, which they developed into a rich, institutionalized tradition over time.

During the Ottoman Empire, the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, established lodges, libraries, and schools across the empire, from Bosnia to Cairo. While Konya and Istanbul housed the main Mevlevihanes (dervish lodges), the order spread throughout the Ottoman territories, particularly in regions with significant Muslim communities. The Mevlevi Order became a distinct branch of Turkish-Islamic philosophy, producing masters in various arts, especially music and calligraphy.

What is the meaning of the dance of Whirling Dervishes? Why do they whirl?

The whirling dance of the Dervishes is called Sema. Sema is a spiritual practice that combines dance and music, symbolizing the Dervish’s journey toward Divine Love. It represents the flow of blessings from the heart, which are then shared with the world. Sema Ayin-i Şerif is a ceremonial performance that typically includes a choir and orchestra, performing hour-long musical compositions created by renowned Sufi composers.

During the ceremony, the Dervish dancer, known as the semazen, begins by opening his arms towards the sky, symbolizing purification as he begins his whirling. He spins from right to left, representing the hearth at the center, from which he radiates love to the universe. The ritual continues with the dancer holding his right hand upward to receive divine love, while his left hand extends downward, symbolizing the transmission of love and tolerance to all living beings.

The Dervish’s white robe represents purity and the shroud, while the hat, called the sikke, symbolizes a tombstone. This imagery reflects the belief that a Dervish can only reach God when the ego dies, and the soul is purified, enabling the soul to unite with the Creator.

Who is Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi?

Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was born in 1207 in Balkh, which is now part of Afghanistan but was then a prominent city in the Persian Empire. At the age of 21, Rumi and his family migrated from Balkh to Anatolia, then part of the Seljuk Empire. They settled in Konya, where Rumi would spend the rest of his life and eventually pass away there. It was in Konya, a city in central Turkey, that he wrote most of his works, including the Masnavi, a profound masterpiece that outlines his philosophical teachings and became foundational for both Dervishes and literary enthusiasts.

A pivotal moment in Rumi’s life was his meeting with Shams Tabrizi, a great mystic and poet of the time. This encounter profoundly transformed Rumi, influencing both his spiritual journey and his literary works.

Rumi was not only an Islamic theologian, but also a poet, philosopher, and writer who was well-versed in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Greek languages and philosophies.

Rumi passed away on December 17, 1273, in Konya, and since then, December 17 has been commemorated by his followers through the grand ritual of Şeb-i Arus, or the “Night of Union,” celebrating his spiritual marriage with the Divine. His tomb is in Konya and it is one of the main attractions to be visited if you ever go there.

What is the philosophy of Rumi?

Rumi’s philosophy is centered around the idea of Divine Love as the ultimate path to spiritual enlightenment and union with the Creator. His teachings emphasize the importance of self- transformation and purification, therefore the surrender of the ego in order to experience God’s presence. Rumi believed that love transcends religious and cultural boundaries, and that through love, humans can connect to the divine and to each other. His philosophy also emphasizes unity, tolerance, and peace, seeing all of existence as interconnected and imbued with spiritual meaning. Central to Rumi’s thought is the idea that the journey to the Divine is a constant process of self-discovery, symbolized by the whirling dance of the Dervishes, which represents the soul’s movement toward God.

Is sufism a part of Islam?

Sufism, including the Mevlevi Order, can be seen as a spiritual path within Islam, grounded in a set of principles and a unique worldview. Like many religions, Islam has been influenced by various cultures and religious traditions throughout history. As a result, the mystical dimension of Islam shares many commonalities with pre-Islamic beliefs and the surrounding cultures.

Sufism emphasizes the personal, intimate connection between the individual and the Creator, offering a way to explore fundamental questions about life, the universe, and the afterlife. The Sufi path is more inclusive and gentle, encouraging self-discovery and inviting individuals to look inward as they seek spiritual growth and understanding.

What are the similarities of Sufism with Humanism, Buddhism or Jesus’s messages ?

Sufism, Humanism, Buddhism, and the teachings of Jesus all emphasize core values like love, compassion, self-transformation, interconnectedness, humility, and spiritual awareness. Despite their different traditions, these paths share a common goal of fostering personal growth, moral virtue, and a deeper connection with others and the universe. The universal themes in these teachings suggest that, at their heart, they all seek to guide individuals toward a life of greater meaning, harmony, and inner peace.
For example, let’s look at the concepts of humility and renunciation of ego;
– A central theme in sufism is annihilation of the ego, and they believe that the greatest barrier to experiencing God’s love and unity is ego.
– Humanism does not focus on ego in a spiritual sense, but it encourages the individual to act in a humble way in order to consider the well-being of others above personal gain.
– In Buddhism, one of the main practices is renunciation of the ego, a necessary step toward achieving enlightenment and ending suffering.
– Jesus spoke of humility and rejection of pride. ‘Whoever wants to be great among you
must be your servient’ . (Matthew 20 : 26 – 28 )

Where is Konya and what else to see while you are in Konya?

Konya is a city located in central Turkey and is the largest city in the country by land area. It is considered one of the world’s earliest settled regions, with a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Catalhoyuk settlement dating back to 7000 BCE. In addition to experiencing the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes ceremony and visiting the tomb of Rumi, you can explore some of the architectural masterpieces of the Anatolian Seljuks, as Konya was the capital of the Seljuk Empire from 1096 to 1308. Don’t miss seeing iconic landmarks such as the Alaaddin Mosque and the Karatay Madrasa, which are key examples of Seljuk architecture.

For an unforgettable trip to Konya, contact Anas Crecca Travel.

How and when can I go to Konya ?

You can easily fly from Istanbul to Konya, with the flight taking about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can travel by fast train, which takes around 4.5 hours. The best times to visit Konya are during the spring or autumn when the weather is most pleasant. If you’re interested in experiencing the unforgettable Whirling Dervishes ceremony, plan your visit for December 17, the anniversary of Rumi’s death, known as Şebi Arus.
Contact us, we will arrange your flights, accomodation and the ticket to Whirling Dervishes Ritual in Konya.

Where can I see Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Istanbul ?

During the Ottoman Empire, Mevlevihanes (dervish lodges) were established throughout Turkey, and you can still visit several of them today, including in Istanbul, Konya, Çanakkale, and Bursa. However, not all of these lodges offer live Dervish ceremonies, as the Mevlevi Order is no longer as active as it once was. In Istanbul, aside from some tourist attractions in the old town, you can experience an authentic ceremony at the Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi or, if it’s not under restoration, at the Galata Mevlevihanesi. For seasonal activities or to arrange a Dervish ceremony experience in Istanbul, feel free to contact us.

Is there still an authentic Whirling Dervishes Ritual ?

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Republic of Turkey was established in 1923, with a principle of secularism. As a result, the government passed a law in 1925 closing dervish lodges and religious convents. Since then, the traditional practice of the Whirling Dervishes has not continued in the same form as it did during the Ottoman era. However, some people still practice the dance and music under the auspices of foundations or cultural ensembles. While the authentic historical form is no longer being practiced in the lodges( as a process of learning or practicing Mevlevi order) , you can still experience professional performances of the Dervish dance and music in cities like Istanbul or Konya.