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At the heart of the mystical traditions of Islam, whirling dervishes evoke a captivating image of spirituality and deep connection with the universe. Their whirling dances, imbued with grace and symbolism, are a true spectacle for the eyes and an invitation to explore the depths of the soul.
The whirling dervishes, also known as Mevlevi, are part of the Sufi order founded by the mystic poet Jalaluddin Rumi. Their dance, called “Sema”, is a sacred practice that transcends the boundaries of time and space. It symbolizes the spiritual journey of the individual in search of union with the divine.
To the captivating sound of music, the whirling dervishes begin their dance in long dresses, symbolizing the shroud of the ego. Their continuous, graceful rotating motion represents the rotation of planets and atoms, as well as the rotation of dervishes around the spiritual sun. Each turn is a prayer, a celebration of cosmic harmony and a reaffirmation of oneness with God.
The whirling dervish dance is much more than just an artistic performance. It is a contemplative practice that allows one to transcend the limits of individual consciousness to reach a higher state of consciousness. Whirling Dervishes seek the annihilation of the ego, the dissolution of the illusion of separation, and long to merge into divine love.
Observing whirling dervishes is a fascinating and deeply moving experience. Their dance is a powerful reminder of the importance of contemplation, meditation and the search for meaning in our lives. She invites viewers to connect with their own spiritual essence and find inner peace.
Whirling dervishes have captivated minds around the world, attracting admirers from all cultures and religions. Their universal message of love, compassion and unity resonates across differences and reminds us of our common humanity.
Attending a performance of whirling dervishes is an experience that leaves no one indifferent. It is an opportunity to let yourself be carried away by the beauty and serenity of sacred dance, to connect to a deeper level of our being and to feel the spiritual energy that emanates from these dedicated dancers.
Whether you are drawn to spirituality, culture, or simply artistic beauty, whirling dervishes provide an unforgettable experience. Let yourself be transported by their captivating dances and open your heart to transcendence. Whirling Dervishes invite you to get lost in the spin, find unity in diversity, and embrace the light that shines within each of us.
The whirling dervish ritual, known as “Sema,” is a spiritual and contemplative practice practiced by the Mevlevi Sufi order. It is considered a sacred dance form that symbolizes the individual's spiritual journey toward union with God.
Before the ritual begins, the dervishes prepare themselves mentally and spiritually. They wear their long, conical dress called “tcharchaf”, which symbolizes the shroud of the ego. They gather together in silence and enter into a state of inner contemplation.
The ritual begins with an invocation called “Naat-i Sherif,” which is a prayer in honor of the Prophet Muhammad and other revered Sufi saints. This prayer is sung in chorus and creates an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual connection.
Specific music is played by an ensemble of musicians, often including instruments such as the ney (reed flute), rebab (a bowed string instrument), and kudum (a drum). Music is an essential component of the ritual, creating a meditative and uplifting atmosphere.
The dervishes then begin their whirling dance. They spin around in a continuous and graceful counterclockwise motion. Each turn is performed with one hand open and the other hand closed, symbolizing the receiving of divine blessings and the giving of these blessings to the world.
The dance of the whirling dervishes is rich in symbolism. The rotational movements represent the rotation of planets and atoms, as well as the search for union with the divine. Dervishes' arms are often extended, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. Their heads are tilted to the right, symbolizing inner listening to divine truth.
The continuous rotation of the dervishes is a means of transcending the limits of individual consciousness. They seek to free themselves from the grip of the ego and merge into divine love and light. The dance is accompanied by deep inner contemplation, aiming to achieve a state of presence and spiritual connection.
The ritual ends with a prayer of thanks and a blessing for humanity. The dervishes then leave the stage in a state of calm and serenity, having experienced an inner spiritual journey.
It should be noted that the whirling dervish ritual is highly ritualized and symbolic. Every movement, every gesture, and every aspect of the ritual has deep meaning and is part of the search for a deeper spiritual connection.