Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Monday, July 8, 2013

Sufism and the Whirling Dervish

Sunday we shifted gears and had some down time.  After a leisurely brunch and reading time, some of us went in search of the "Agatha Christie hotel," the Pera Palace hotel.  This is where she stayed when writing The Orient Express.  The terrace provided a beautiful view and a snack. 
The old train station in Istanbul

The lobby

A cellist playing at Galata Tower while we shopped


After some shopping, the NEH group met up at the Mevlana Education and Culture Association for a Sema, or Whirling Dervish ceremony.  It was an intimate setting in which to watch Islamic Sufis practice their turning.  Sufism, founded by Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, was established in the 13th Century and was the vehicle for the spread of Islam throughout parts of the Middle East, South and South East Asia, and the Mediterranean region.

The musicians played music and recited prayers while the Sufis turned. 


The Sema ceremony consists of various stages allowing the Sufis to enter a new state of being.  They appear to be entranced as they pass from one stage to the next. 


After such a spiritual ceremony, a couple of us decided to focus on the physical...the hammam.  Cimberlitas Turkish bath has existed since the 1500s.  Within domed rooms, women in bikini bottoms lay on a warm marble slab and wait for Turkish women to bath them.  Once scrubbed, soaped, and splashed with various temperatures of water, it was time to soak in the Jacuzzi and get a massage.  A terrific treat after two busy weeks of the program!  Sorry, no pictures allowed at the Turkish bath!  But check out their website on the right side of the blog--related links. 



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