Whirling Dervishes

Whirling Dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order, a Sufi Muslim sect founded in Turkey in the 13th century, known for their distinctive spinning dance performed as a form of active meditation and worship.

The practice, called sama, involves practitioners rotating continuously with arms extended, one palm up toward heaven and one down toward earth, while wearing flowing white robes that fan out dramatically.

We watched the Whirling Dervishes perform at the cultural center.

The term is sometimes used loosely for anyone spinning energetically or moving in frenzied circles.