Society
4.3.2023
Meet the Syrian dancers who twirl towards the divine
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk, focusing on self-reflection, spiritual growth, and compassion. Amidst this sacred time, the twirling dervishes of Syria gather to practice their ancient form of worship, dancing to Sufi chants.
The dimly lit chambers of the 15th-century Tekkiye Suleimaniya Mosque fill with the hum of Sufi chants as the dervishes prepare for their nightly ritual. Clad in flowing white robes and tall, conical hats, the dancers form a circle in the center of the room. The room’s atmosphere is charged with anticipation, but the dervishes’ faces betray no hint of nerves. Their eyes are closed in meditation, their hands clasped before them, their expressions serene.
As the haunting melodies of the ney, a traditional Middle Eastern flute, fill the room, the dervishes begin to move. Slowly at first, they extend their arms, one palm facing the heavens and the other the earth. With each step and turn, they pick up speed, their robes billowing like sails in a gentle breeze. The dance becomes a whirlwind of motion, as the dervishes twirl with increasing intensity.
The dancers believe that the swirling motion represents the unity of the universe, as well as the journey of the soul towards divine truth. The dance is performed in the hopes of transcending earthly existence and reaching a higher state of spiritual awareness.
Muayad al-Kharrat, a Syrian Sufi dancer, says this tradition has been passed down through generations in his family. Muayad began learning the dance as a child, and for him it is a form of religious worship. “Whirling is just a way to reach God,” he tells AFP.
A Sufi tradition
The Sufi dervishes, followers of a mystical branch of Islam, have practiced this dance for centuries. It was founded by the 13th-century Persian poet and philosopher, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, who was inspired by the rhythmic spinning of the celestial bodies. The dance became a physical manifestation of the Sufis’ spiritual quest for divine love and wisdom.
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During Ramadan, the whirling dervishes of Syria share their devotion with visitors who flock to witness the sacred dance. The performance, referred to as a “sema,” is open to the public, as the dervishes believe in spreading the message of love, tolerance, and unity.
As the final notes of the ney fade away, the dervishes gradually slow their spinning, their arms outstretched once more. The room is silent, save for the sound of deep, meditative breaths. The dancers have completed their journey, but the sense of peace and reverence remains, lingering in the hearts of all who witnessed the spectacle.
International success
The captivating dance of the whirling dervishes has not only endured within Syria, but has also found a place in the hearts of people around the world. The popularity of this unique art form has inspired various cultural groups to adopt the tradition and perform it in international settings. From Paris to New York, dervish groups originating from different countries showcase their passion for the dance, allowing audiences a glimpse into this shared spiritual practice. As a matter of fact, the al-Kindi ensemble, from Aleppo, Syria, came to Paris on March 23, 2023 to present this spiritual art form to the French capital’s inhabitants at the Café de la Danse.
Ensemble Al-Kindi & The Whirling Dervishes of Damascus pic.twitter.com/BZjdrwbo1y
— RE (@robikinemhas) April 10, 2020
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