What is the Sufi dance called?
Sufi Whirling Dervishes
Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, emphasizes universal love, peace, acceptance of various spiritual paths and a mystical union with the divine. It is associated with the dancing of whirling dervishes, who originated in the 13th century as followers of the poet and Muslim mystic, Rumi.
Where can I see whirling dervishes in Konya?
Mevlana Cultural Center
However, you may also be able to witness whirling, and perhaps even a proper sema, in Konya near (but not in) the Mevlana Cultural Center: a modern shopping-and-restaurant complex near the museum arranges whirling sometimes.
What is Turkish Mevlana?
In Turkey, Rumi is fondly remembered by his followers as Mevlana — which means scholar. Upon his death in 1273, Rumi’s followers founded the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Order of the Whirling Dervishes, famous for the Sufi dance known as the Sema ceremony.
What is Mevlana Festival?
The Mevlana festival is held over ten days in December, with its culmination on the 17th, the anniversary of Rumi’s death in the city of Konya. The festival is an authentic, indigenous gathering where spectators are honoured to witness magical, trance-like and elegant dance performances.
What is Mevlana whirling dervishes?
The Mevlevis are also known as the “whirling dervishes” due to their famous practice of whirling as a form of dhikr (remembrance of God). Dervish is a common term for an initiate of the Sufi path; whirling is part of the formal sema ceremony and the participants are properly known as semazens.
Why do Whirling Dervishes not get dizzy?
There are three pieces which balance the system. The eyes, deep sense, the inner ear and the brain is responsible for providing the balance. Movements during the “sema”, their wearings, inner peace, their diet prevent the emergence of dizziness, nausea, a imbalance sense in Whirling dervishes (or Semazens).
Is Mevlana a Sufi?
Approximately 750 years old, the Mevlevi Order is a living tradition based on the teachings of Rumi, also known as Mevlana, who is perhaps Turkey’s most celebrated poet and in Iran, second only to Hafiz. He is also venerated as a divine mystic within Sufi Islam. The Mevlevis insist that love is at the centre of Islam.
How long do whirling dervishes whirl?
The whirling dervishes can spin on themselves for as long as 2 hours at a rate of 33 to 40 rotations per minute without experiencing dizziness!
When is the Mevlana Festival in Konya Turkey?
Today everyone can feel Rumi’s spirit and enjoy the unique form of worship at Mevlana Festival. It’s held annually in mid-December in the city of Konya and is attended by a million visitors.
Is the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes worth your time?
The Mevlana Whirling Dervishes are worth your time if you find yourself in Konya. The cultural center is a bit “Soviet-esque,” but the seating allows… Worth going if you happen to be in town to see this on a Saturday evening. Close to the museum easy to get seats.
Who is the founder of the Mevlana Festival?
The ritual is a part of the Sema ceremony practised by the Mevlevi Order in Islam. It was founded in 13th century by a Sufi (mystic) poet named Jelaleddin or Celaleddin Rumi.