Posted on November 24, 2007

The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey

“Absolutely mesmerizing….it makes you dizzy”

Sat, Nov 24, 2007 – Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Rumi, the 13th century Sufi mystic, ended one of his fervent poems with a prophetic line: “Dazed by the marvels of love, our whirling endures.” Founded in his name, the Mevlevi Order has kept the tradition of “sema”, the whirling ritual, alive for centuries–2007 marks the 800th anniversary of sema culture. A precise choreography, a mesmerizing meditation in motion and a radiant quest for divine illumination set to sacred music, the whirling ritual is one of the world’s most exquisite spiritual ceremonies–and no one performs it better than the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey. Twirling 20-30 times a minute, their dance becomes a prayer and meditation that envelopes their audience. As an added highlight, the director of the Rumi Foundation, a 22nd generation granddaughter of Mevlana, will make a special presentation about Rumi’s life and message. Co-presented by Global Arts Concerts and the Chan Centre.