RELIGIOUS FRENZY MADE A TOURIST SHOW:
The whirling dervishes of Constantinople, like the howling dervishes of Egypt, have long been among the prominent tourist attractions. The novice must serve the order at menial labor for 1,001 days, and if he fails one day during that time he must start all over again (1922). Click here to enlarge.
Whirling dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Sufi order, a spiritual branch of Islam founded in the 13th century by followers of the Persian poet and mystic Rumi. They are best known for their mesmerizing spinning dance, called the sema, which is a form of meditation and worship. Dressed in flowing white robes and tall felt hats, the dervishes whirl in a graceful, repetitive motion symbolizing the soul's journey toward divine love and unity with God. This ritual combines music, prayer, and movement, reflecting spiritual themes of balance, humility, and surrender. Originating in Konya, in present-day Turkey, the tradition was embraced and protected under the Ottoman Empire. Today, the whirling dervishes remain an iconic symbol of Turkish culture and spiritual heritage, and their performances are both religious ceremonies and cultural events.
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