People usually know something about whirling dervishes – they have seen some entertainment inspired by this order in Turkey or Egypt restaurants, Middle Eastern countries, etc, but they are way more than that. Before I was planning to visit the Turkish town of Konya in the Central Anatolian region (on my way to Cappadocia), the only thing I “knew” about them was that there is an “ancient weird dressing” order, “somewhere” in the world, “whose followers get in some kind of trans” while spinning around. Could not even imagine what an astonishing philosophy lies beneath this seemingly “tourist attraction”! (Read more about it in the next follow-up.)
While I was in Egypt years before going to Cappadocia, I have attended a show allegedly inspired by One Thousand and One Nights’ tales (weird mixture for tourists!). Besides belly dancers, they have arranged a whirling-man show they said was a dervish. He was spinning in a wide colorful robe that was expanding like a balloon.
Courtyard of the Rumi Museum
Another time, a couple of years after visiting Konya, there was a “special show-dinner” in one of Damascus’ restaurants, where we (tourists) were entertained by a whirling dervish dance. But fortunately, I knew who dervishes were by then and were acquainted with the fact that it’s not their “purpose” to whirl for tips. Still, most tourists were not even curious.
Anyway, for those of you who might stumble across the so-called dervishes’ “tourist shows” someday, here is a hint. Whirling dervishes are members of Sufi Muslim order, followers of great scholar Mevlana or Rumi who has started the order in the 12th century. The Mevlana Museum with the Mausoleum is located – you’ve guessed it – in the town of Konya!
Don’t expect to see them whirling there at the Museum. Ask if there is a way to have a glimpse into their prayer schedule somewhere in Konya perhaps. I was fortunate enough to see the group of real Turkish dervishes who visited Serbia a few years back and performed a part of their prayer routine in Belgrade’s theater. And what a performance that was!
Next: KONYA, CRADLE OF DERVISHES (4)
The full Cappadocia SERIES
ckaway
I saw the whirling dervishes at a train station performance in Istanbul. I was not aware that they performed their ritual in other countries. This was a nice snapshot of where you may encounter the dervishes. You are so correct in that there is so much more to the ritual than just the whirling.
WorldGlimpses
That’s the thing – there are a lot of entertainers (not dervishes themselves), who whirl for tourists in those shows, hotels, clubs etc. Even at the train station, as you’ve mentioned. Thanks! 🙂
John
I love seeing others spiritual practices. I would love to see Dervishes perform their ritual in person. Maybe one day I will make it to Konya and see them!
WorldGlimpses
Hope you do, it’ll be worth it. 🙂
Traveling Well For Less
I’ve never seen a whirling dervish. I had no idea it was part of their religion. I just assumed it was just how they dressed.
WorldGlimpses
Well, if you ever come across their performance, now you’ll know, hehe. Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Ada
I have never heard about whirling dervish before but also probably because I have never been in turkey. I haven’t seen any in Egypt tho when I was there! Hopefully I can visit turkey soon and see this awesome show!
WorldGlimpses
Fingers crossed. 😉
SpendLifeTraveling
I saw a picture of this recently and wondered where and for what reason this dance was… So thanks for sharing! And you are so lucky that you actually got to see it!
WorldGlimpses
Thanks! 🙂
Recovering Hippie
Thank you for clearing this up for me! I have always heard the expression ´Whirling Dervish’ but I didn´t realize that it was an actually thing, and hence any of the other things that I have learned in this post. Thank you for the engaging, educational read!
WorldGlimpses
Oh, you are very kind, thanks! 🙂
Alice Nettleingham
Oh wow, was not aware of this fact. What an interesting post about dervishes. I find it very educational and opened another facet of traveling for me. Thanks alot!
WorldGlimpses
Thank you, Alice, glad you like it. 🙂
8duffels2mutts
I have never heard of this particular experience. But, I am always fascinated to learn about cultural dance customs in all areas of the world. It is quite interesting to see how tourism impacts the practice!
WorldGlimpses
Know what you mean, “as long as it sells”, right. Luckily, there are ways to learn. Thanks! 🙂
A Busy Bees Life
I have only ever seen pictures or youtube videos of this but never actually seen this in person. When we travel to Turkey we are sure to see this.
WorldGlimpses
It’s one of those things you cannot see “just about anywhere”, that’s what makes it more interesting. 🙂
Caroline @ The Travelling Sloth
I’ve seen videos of these but never knew what they were called! I didn’t actually know they are members of the Sufi Muslim order. This is such an informative post – I was under the impression that it was part of their culture so I’m glad that you’ve shed some light on them!
WorldGlimpses
Thanks, glad you found it useful. 🙂
KnowledgeFreaks
Sad thing is that Mevlama and dervishes turn into a blind tourist entertainment. Sufism has not been mentioned properly even by the promoters of Konya. I keep suggesting people to read some books on sufism to understand why those dervishes whirl around.
WorldGlimpses
You are so right! I was amazed how profound the order was when I’ve learned a bit more about it.
karim
Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include approximately all important infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this.
Danijela
Thank you for your kind words. Feel free to browse around the blog for more posts like this. There are also different destinations to choose from.
Cheers! 🙂