Question

Watch the video of the sama or “whirling dervish” ceremony from the Sufi lodge at Galata in Isanbul. Explain what is going on here and account for how this practice reflects sufi spirituality and self understanding.

Answer 1

Sama or "whirling deverish" is a Sufi ceremony practiced by each Mevlevi Tekke community in remembrance of God. The attire of the dervish (performers) in this ritual has its own symbolic meaning, so are their bodily gestures and expression. The hat of the semazen hat is called a "Sikke" which represent tombstone of the ego, and long white skirt is called "tenure" represent the shroud of the ego. In the beginning of the ritual the dervish are seen wearing long black cloaks, which they remove before the act, this act of taking the black cloaks off represent being spiritually reborn to truth. Then as the dervish starts to move, they hold their arms crosswise testifying God's unity with them. Then as they begin to whirl, they open up their arms, right arms towards the sky representing the readiness to receive the blessings and beneficence from the Almighty,and the left towards the earth representing the willingness of the dervish to give the blessings received from above to the people who are witnessing this ritual of Sema. The revolving of dervish in a specific direction also has a significant symbolic meaning. As the dervish revolves from left to right, it is believed that they are revolving around their own hearts embracing humanity with love, as in Sufism it is believed that humans are created to love. Thus, the dervish are fulfilling this purpose by whirling, and are spreading love and blessings for all who are present at the ritual.