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Whirling dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Sufi Order who perform a dance called sema to honor Allah. The dance represents the spiritual journey of the dancers and is accompanied by specific music. The term “dervish” comes from a Persian word meaning religious ascetic. The Mevlevi order was founded by Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi in the 13th century. Whirling dervishes travel around the world providing shows and training, especially on Rumi’s birthday.
The whirling dervishes are a sect within the Sufi branch of Islam. They perform a characteristic dance called sema to honor Allah as part of their religious practices. The sect is well known for this dance, which is performed in flowing robes that create a swirling effect in the performance space. Technically, whirling dervishes are actually members of the Mevlevi Sufi Order, but most Westerners are more familiar with the colloquial “whirling dervish.”
The Mevlevi order was founded in the 13th century by Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. Rumi was a famous Sufi mystic and poet and much of his work is still widely read around the world. Along with other Sufis, Rumi believed that self-discipline, love, and responsibility were an important part of worshiping Allah. Rumi developed the sema dance as a dhikr, or remembrance of Allah. The dance follows a pre-established ritual of steps and movements which are meant to represent the spiritual journey of the dancers.
The term “dervish” comes from a Persian word, Darwish, which has historically been used to refer to a religious ascetic. A dervish takes a vow of poverty and service as part of his religious practice. Romantic associations with the sema dance led to the popular title of “whirling dervish” for members of the sect. The sect was effectively banned for a short time in his native Turkey before the national government realized the historical and cultural value of the dervishes. Whirling dervishes can also be found in other parts of the Middle East.
In addition to the traditional flowing robes that characterize the whirling dervishes, the dancers also use specific music. Mevlevi religious music can be heard throughout the Middle East and contains many elements that people associate with “oriental” music. There is also a rich tradition of Mevlevi songs and poems related to the whirling dervishes as well. Mevlevi cultural traditions are celebrated in many parts of the world, as is the Sufi branch of Islam in general.
Groups of whirling dervishes travel around the world providing shows and training, especially on December 17, when the whirling dervishes celebrate Rumi’s birthday. Performances are also held as part of cultural festivals and similar events and may also include a short talk or lecture. To find a local whirling dervish show, try searching for “whirling dervishes” in your area on your favorite search engine or ask local cultural organizations about show times.
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