Watch the Whirling Dervishes perform a spiritual dance

Head to the historic Kizlaragasi Medrese in Istanbul’s Old City for a cultural evening replete with an enthralling performance by the Whirling Dervishes. These mystical performers of the Mevlevi Order will take you on a spiritual journey over the next 60 minutes. You will get to witness their seven-part Sema ceremony symbolizing the birth of humanity. The Dervishes dress in white flowing gowns and twirl elegantly as a way of answering a higher call to the Almighty. Their soulful choreography is accompanied by a live orchestra playing traditional Persian and Turkish music. As the semazens create an enchanting atmosphere by whirling around in a trance-like state, they help you reach a state of nirvana.

A closer look into the centuries-old traditions of the Mevlevi Order

The venerable tradition of the Mevlevi Order believes in connecting with the Almighty through music and meditation, much like its founder Rumi did some 800 years ago. Their religious dance ritual known as ‘sema’ is only performed by dervishes as a prayer offering to Allah. Each and every aspect of the ascetic dance ritual holds spiritual relevance. For instance, their white and black costumes signify the inevitability of birth and death respectively. While the conical felt hats, called sikke, represent the ego.