© Lucie Debelkova / www.luciedebelkova.com
Turkey - Mystery of Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul
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It’s one of the most mysterious and mystical sects in the Islamic world – the famous Whirling Dervishes of Turkey. Part of the mystical Sufi sect of Islam, the whirling dervishes have fascinated the world for hundreds of years with their unique costumes and frenetic, highly ritualised dances. The rituals of the Rumi's followers (Whirling Dervishes) are among the enduring as well as the most exquisite ceremonies of spirituality. The ritual whirling of the dervishes is an act of love and a drama of faith. It possesses a highly structured form within which the gentle turns become increasingly dynamic as the individual dervishes strive to achieve a state of trans. The music that accompanies the whirling from beginning to end ranges from somber to rhapsodical; its effect is intended to be mesmerizing. Chanting of poetry, rhythmic rotation, and incessant music create a synthesis which, according to the faithful, induces a feeling of soaring, of ecstasy, of mystical flight.
The Sema ceremony represents a spiritual journey; the seeker's turning toward God and truth, a maturing through love, the transformation of self as a way of union with God, and the return to life as the servant of all creation. The Semazen (with a camel's-felt hat representing a tombstone and a wide white skirt symbolizing the death shroud), upon removing his black cloth, is spiritually born to Truth. The semazens stand with their arms crossed, ready to begin their turn. In their erect posture, they represent the number one, testifying to God's unity. Each rotation takes them past the sheikh, who stands on a red sheep skin. This is the place of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi , and the sheikh is understood to be a channel for the divine grace. At the start of each of the four movements of the ceremony, the semazens bow to each other honoring the spirit within. As their arms unfold, the right hand opens to the skies in prayer, ready to receive God's beneficence. The left hand, upon which his gaze rests, is turned towards the earth in the gesture of bestowal.
I could call this photo “Stolen Image” not because it was not taken by me, but because I was not allowed to take it but I did anyway. Although it was my 5th or 6th visit to Turkey I have never seen Whirling Dervishes before. I thought it would nice addition to my Turkish portfolio as well just beautiful experience. There are few locations in Istanbul where you can witness this special event. I have opted for rather small location in the formal hamman (bath) which gave it great traditional feel. I was told that if I come early enough I can chose seat infront so I would be able to capture the show. Bigger the surprise that not only my seat was in the 2nd row but also that it was not allowed to take photos during the show. I was unpleasantly surprised but managed to get the front seat after all. When I asked why I cannot take photos during the show I was told that people complained that it disturbs them from the show. Luckily enough my camera has a live view function, therefore I just put the camera on my knees and through the monitor tried to set the composition right and then I took many photos to make sure that I have plenty to choose from. Aperture 1/15 sec was just perfect as it nicely captured the movement of Whirling Dervishes but still kept the whole scene in focus. And at last not least… I was not the only person sneakily taking shots, there were more of us… but no one with DSLR :-)
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Lens : EF17-40mm f/4L USM, Photo Focal length: 17.00 mm, Aperture: 4.0, Exposure time: 1/15 s, ISO: 1250
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Turkey - Mystery of Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul
Join me @ Facebook | Twitter | 500px | Instagram | YouTube
* * * * * *
It’s one of the most mysterious and mystical sects in the Islamic world – the famous Whirling Dervishes of Turkey. Part of the mystical Sufi sect of Islam, the whirling dervishes have fascinated the world for hundreds of years with their unique costumes and frenetic, highly ritualised dances. The rituals of the Rumi's followers (Whirling Dervishes) are among the enduring as well as the most exquisite ceremonies of spirituality. The ritual whirling of the dervishes is an act of love and a drama of faith. It possesses a highly structured form within which the gentle turns become increasingly dynamic as the individual dervishes strive to achieve a state of trans. The music that accompanies the whirling from beginning to end ranges from somber to rhapsodical; its effect is intended to be mesmerizing. Chanting of poetry, rhythmic rotation, and incessant music create a synthesis which, according to the faithful, induces a feeling of soaring, of ecstasy, of mystical flight.
The Sema ceremony represents a spiritual journey; the seeker's turning toward God and truth, a maturing through love, the transformation of self as a way of union with God, and the return to life as the servant of all creation. The Semazen (with a camel's-felt hat representing a tombstone and a wide white skirt symbolizing the death shroud), upon removing his black cloth, is spiritually born to Truth. The semazens stand with their arms crossed, ready to begin their turn. In their erect posture, they represent the number one, testifying to God's unity. Each rotation takes them past the sheikh, who stands on a red sheep skin. This is the place of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi , and the sheikh is understood to be a channel for the divine grace. At the start of each of the four movements of the ceremony, the semazens bow to each other honoring the spirit within. As their arms unfold, the right hand opens to the skies in prayer, ready to receive God's beneficence. The left hand, upon which his gaze rests, is turned towards the earth in the gesture of bestowal.
I could call this photo “Stolen Image” not because it was not taken by me, but because I was not allowed to take it but I did anyway. Although it was my 5th or 6th visit to Turkey I have never seen Whirling Dervishes before. I thought it would nice addition to my Turkish portfolio as well just beautiful experience. There are few locations in Istanbul where you can witness this special event. I have opted for rather small location in the formal hamman (bath) which gave it great traditional feel. I was told that if I come early enough I can chose seat infront so I would be able to capture the show. Bigger the surprise that not only my seat was in the 2nd row but also that it was not allowed to take photos during the show. I was unpleasantly surprised but managed to get the front seat after all. When I asked why I cannot take photos during the show I was told that people complained that it disturbs them from the show. Luckily enough my camera has a live view function, therefore I just put the camera on my knees and through the monitor tried to set the composition right and then I took many photos to make sure that I have plenty to choose from. Aperture 1/15 sec was just perfect as it nicely captured the movement of Whirling Dervishes but still kept the whole scene in focus. And at last not least… I was not the only person sneakily taking shots, there were more of us… but no one with DSLR :-)
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Lens : EF17-40mm f/4L USM, Photo Focal length: 17.00 mm, Aperture: 4.0, Exposure time: 1/15 s, ISO: 1250
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.