Viking Oceans: Turkey's Whirling Dervishes

Summary

In 13th-century Turkey, while most Muslims worshiped in traditional mosques, the Sama Ritual emerged as a unique spiritual practice envisioned by Sufi Master Rumi. Performed exclusively by the Mevlevi Order of Whirling Dervishes, the ritual involves spinning in a trance-like state, reciting the name of God, and performing symbolic gestures that honor Allah and share divine blessings with humanity. Despite being banned in 1925, the ritual was reinstated in 1954 and is now recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage. The Sama Ritual remains a mesmerizing and sacred testament to Turkey’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions.

Takeaways

• 🕌 In the 13th century, most Turkish Muslims worshiped in traditional mosques, but a new form of spiritual practice emerged.
• 🌟 The Sama Ritual, created by Sufi Master Rumi, is a form of praise intended to honor Allah and guide spiritual enlightenment.
• 💃 Only Semezens from the Mevlevi Order of Whirling Dervishes are permitted to perform the ceremony.
• ✨ The ritual is meant to captivate viewers while serving a higher purpose for the heavens.
• 🌀 Participants perform the ritual in a trance-like state, focusing entirely on Allah and disregarding worldly concerns.
• 🔄 During the Sama ritual, Semezens can complete up to 2000 deliberate turns, each symbolizing spiritual intent.
• ☝️ The hand gestures in the ritual are symbolic: the right hand points to the sky, the left to the earth, representing sharing God's blessings with humanity.
• 🚫 The Sufi Mevlevi Order was outlawed in 1925 but regained the right to perform the Sama Ritual in 1954.
• 🌍 Turkey's Whirling Dervishes ritual is recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
• 🏛️ The ritual represents a rare cultural treasure, highlighting Istanbul's hidden spiritual and historical gems.

Q & A

What is the Sama Ritual and who introduced it?

The Sama Ritual is a spiritual ceremony that involves whirling as a form of devotion and praise to Allah. It was introduced by the 13th-century Sufi Master Rumi.

Who is allowed to perform the Sama Ritual?

Only the Semezens, members of the Mevlevi Order of Whirling Dervishes, are allowed to perform the Sama Ritual.

What is the spiritual purpose of the Sama Ritual?

The ritual is meant to honor Allah and illustrate the spiritual path humans must take on their journey to enlightenment.

How do Semezens focus during the ritual?

During the ritual, Semezens concentrate solely on Allah, letting go of thoughts about family, work, and other worldly concerns.

What is the significance of the hand positions during the whirling?

The right hand is directed towards the sky and the left hand towards the earth, symbolizing that what comes from God should be shared with people.

How many turns do Semezens typically complete during a Sama performance?

Semezens can complete up to 2,000 turns during the Sama Ritual.

Was the Mevlevi Order ever outlawed?

Yes, the Sufi Mevlevi Order was outlawed in 1925, although the right to perform the Sama Ritual was reinstated in 1954.

Why is the Whirling Dervishes ritual considered significant by UNESCO?

The ritual is recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity due to its cultural, spiritual, and historical importance.

What does the whirling in a trance-like state represent?

The whirling represents a powerful, meditative form of devotion, intended to connect the performer with divine presence and spiritual enlightenment.

How does the Sama Ritual serve as a form of communication with the heavens?

While it captivates observers on earth, the ritual is primarily performed as a spiritual offering to the heavens, honoring God through intentional movements and focus.