Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremonies

About

This special ceremony in a unique environment reveals the spiritual character of Istanbul and Turkish people outside of the **Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.** A poetic experience, Sufi whirling brings dervishes closer to God as they spin in repetitive circles. The original name _Sema_ has two meanings – the skies and hearing. The dervishes are raising their hands while whirling to feel the universe, its creation and motion. This is the way to reach maturity as a human being in an ecstatic moment full of love. The historic venue sets the stage as the whirling dervishes come forward to lift the curtain between the body and soul, their dress lifting hypnotically serving as a meaningful metaphor.