The Whirling Dervishes

The Whirling Dervishes are members of a Turkish spiritual order known as the Mevlevi, who practice a form of meditative dance called Sema. This practice involves spinning in a structured, rhythmic manner to achieve spiritual ecstasy and closeness to God. The dance symbolizes the soul's journey toward divine unity, with the whirling representing spiritual surrender and balance. Originating in the 13th century from the teachings of poet and mystic Rumi, the practice is both a religious ceremony and a cultural tradition, emphasizing love, humility, and the pursuit of inner peace through movement and music.