Sufi Whirling Photo

Photographer’s Note

Sufi whirling (or Sufi spinning), (Arabic: رقص سماع‎) is a twirling meditation that originated among Sufis, which is still practiced by the Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. It is a symbolic ritual through which dervishes (also called semazens) aim to reach the "perfect" (kemal). They try to desert their nafs, egos or personal [bad] desires by listening [to their master and Sufi music], thinking [about God] and whirling which, resembles the rotation of other beings such as electrons and planets of the micro and macrocosmos.

Taken at Istanbul during my recent visit.

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Critiques | Translate

pauloog (6426) 2008-11-30 7:49

Hello Shridar,
I think the picture has been taken in the tower of the old centre. I suspect it is just a tourist show, but you captured it well. Good light on the white robes.
Regards,
Paul

phwall (5546) 2008-11-30 13:08

Hi Sridhar,
Very interesting subject, I have been familiar with the term "whirling dervish" all of my life, but have never known the where or why the term originated.
A good action capture with excellent sharps and exposure. It's a shame you cut the feet off the leading dancer by not tilting down, too much headroom.
Good work.
Regards
Peter