The central aspect of this unique observance is its lyrical nature. The term “Sema” carries dual interpretations, referring to both the heavens and the act of listening. The spinning dervishes extend their arms upward in their dance, seeking to comprehend the cosmos, its origins, and its dynamics. Such motion is the path to attaining human maturity in an exhilarating instant filled with affection.
With regard to the act itself, the quintessential Sufi melodies play a pivotal role. They prepare the ambiance, enabling you to sense the deep-seated emotions that precede the commencement of the practice. Subsequently, the whirling dervishes step forth to dissolve the barrier separating the physical and the spiritual realms.
While it has not always occupied a conventional niche, the Mevlevi Brotherhood figures prominently in this urban sanctuary of diversity. Typically, the enlightened and urbane segments of the populace, including at times the Sovereigns, have held the Sufi tradition in high esteem.