GETTY IMAGES Whirling Dervishes take part in a Sema Prayer Ceremony. Whirling dervish ceremonies were started as a form of meditation by Jalaluddin Rumi, the famous Sufi Muslim mystic and poet, in the 13th century. In 1956, even though legislation still outlawed these Sufi sects, the Turkish government revived the whirling dervish ceremony as a cultural asset. Opened by a grandson of Rumi, Galata Dervish Lodge was one of the most important centres for Mevlevi dervishes in Istanbul and includes a museum showcasing the history of whirling dervishes. The largest whirling dervish festival takes place annually in December, usually around the anniversary of Rumi's death on Dec. 17.

Source: Stuff April 17, 2019 20:15 UTC