Download rumi whirling dervish with baby ganesha

In Egypt, one of the forms of entertainment you may encounter in tourist shows is the tannoura. This consists of whirling to music, which originated as a Sufi ritual, and today in Egypt has become an elaborate artistic performance.How Whirling StartedDuring the 13th century, the legendary poet Mevlana Jalaleddin Rumi made his way to the town of Konya, Turkey, where he settled. Rumi was a practitioner of Sufism, which is an implementation of Islam that embraces mysticism. He believed in music, poetry, and dance as being paths for connecting with God.Under Rumi’s leadership, the Mevlevi sect of Sufism arose in Konya, Turkey. Its participants used whirling as their way to let go of their ego and connect with God. The photo below shows the garb that Turkish dervishes wear for their semas (whirling rituals).Photo copyright by Jewel. All rights reserved.After the Ottomans conquered Egypt in 1517, Turkish cultural influence began to make its way south to Egypt, and that included the Mevlevi whirling dervish sect.The Egyptian Side of WhirlingEgypt’s tannoura performing art owes its origin to the Mevlevi practice sarted by Rumi, but modern-day performances of tannoura are designed to serve as entertainment, and therefore they incorporate showmanship techniques. Some retain the Sufi music and spiritual tone, while others have moved into a more secular direction.The word “tannoura” means “skirt” in Arabic, and in this context refers to the skirts worn by the men. “Tannoura” has also come to refer to overall performance, and also the men wearing the skirts.

Last updated on: February 15, 2025 The whirling dervishes, known for their mesmerizing spinning dances, are an iconic representation of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes the inward search for God. Their captivating movements not only serve as a form of spiritual expression but have also left a profound impact on various forms of art within the Sufi tradition. This article explores the historical roots, philosophical significance, and artistic expressions influenced by the whirling dervishes in Sufi art.Historical ContextThe practice of whirling originated in the 13th century with the teachings of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Persian poet and Sufi mystic. Rumi founded the Mevlevi Order, a religious group that incorporated music, poetry, and the whirling dance as a means to achieve spiritual ecstasy and closeness to God. The dervishes, who are members of this order, engage in the sema ceremony—an ecstatic dance where they spin in circles to enter a trance-like state.The sema ritual is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and has its origins in ancient practices that predate Islam. However, it was Rumi’s vision that elevated the whirl into a sacred act aimed at transcending the self and uniting with the divine. Over time, this practice became synonymous with Sufi culture in Turkey and beyond.Philosophical UnderpinningsAt the heart of the whirling dervish practice lies a rich philosophical framework that informs much of Sufi art. The act of spinning is symbolic of several profound concepts:Unity with God: The whirling represents an individual’s journey towards unity with the divine. As dervishes spin, they seek to detach from their ego and worldly concerns, focusing on God’s presence.Cosmic Order: The circular motion mimics celestial movements, reflecting the harmony and order of the universe. It symbolizes how all existence revolves around a central truth—the divine essence.Love and Devotion: For the Sufi mystics, love is considered the driving force behind all creation. The whirling dance encapsulates this love—a physical manifestation of devotion that transcends verbal expression.These philosophical ideas serve as a foundation for various artistic expressions influenced by whirling dervishes.Whirling Dervishes in Visual ArtsThe image of the whirling dervish has been a popular subject among artists throughout history. In Persian miniature paintings and Ottoman art, these dancers are often depicted against intricate backgrounds filled with floral patterns, geometric designs, and calligraphy—a hallmark of Islamic art.Miniature PaintingsPersian miniatures from the Safavid era frequently capture scenes of dervishes engaged in their ecstatic dance. These paintings are characterized by their meticulous detail and vivid colors, capturing not only the physicality of the dancers but also the spiritual atmosphere surrounding them. The swirling motion is often highlighted through dynamic brushstrokes that emphasize movement and grace.Ottoman ArtIn Ottoman Turkey, artists embraced depictions of whirling dervishes as symbols

Of spiritual enlightenment. Tiles, ceramics, and textiles often featured motifs inspired by the sema ceremony. The portrayal of dervishes in these artworks served both decorative purposes and conveyed deeper spiritual meanings. CalligraphyCalligraphy is another significant element in Sufi art that often accompanies representations of whirling dervishes. Verses from Rumi’s poetry or other mystical texts are inscribed around images or incorporated into backgrounds, emphasizing the connection between movement and lyrical expression. This synergy enriches the overall aesthetic experience while inviting reflection on spiritual themes.Music and WhirlingThe role of music in Sufi practice cannot be understated—especially during sema ceremonies where it acts as both a catalyst for movement and a medium for emotional expression. Traditional instruments such as the ney (a type of flute) and percussion instruments accompany dervish performances to create an immersive atmosphere.Influence on Musical ArtsThe melodies and rhythms unique to Sufi music have influenced composers across different genres. Many contemporary musicians draw inspiration from these traditions to create fusion works that integrate traditional instruments with modern elements. The interplay between music and dance not only preserves cultural heritage but also introduces new audiences to Sufi philosophy.Dance as an Art FormMoreover, contemporary dance troupes often incorporate aspects of whirling into their performances. Modern interpretations may blend traditional techniques with contemporary choreography, showcasing how this ancient practice continues to inspire new artistic expressions while maintaining its spiritual essence.Literature Inspired by Whirling DervishesThe influence of whirling dervishes extends beyond visual arts into literature—particularly poetry—which remains a cornerstone of Sufi expression.Rumi’s PoetryRumi’s writings frequently reference themes related to spinning and movement as metaphors for spiritual journeys and transformations. His verses encapsulate feelings associated with love, longing, unity, and transcendence—elements that resonate deeply with both practitioners and observers alike. For instance, Rumi describes love as a force that spins souls around one another: “In your light I learn how to love…” This poetic imagery creates parallels between romantic experiences and spiritual yearning mirrored in the physical act of whirling.Contemporary LiteratureIn contemporary literature, authors explore Sufi themes through narratives that feature characters inspired by or involved with whirling dervishes. These stories often delve into existential questions about identity, spirituality, and interconnectedness—themes central to both Sufism and human experience at large.The Global Impact of Whirling DervishesAs global interest in mindfulness practices grows alongside an appreciation for cultural diversity, whirling dervishes have gained recognition beyond their religious confines. They serve as symbols representing deeper truths about spirituality that resonate widely.Cultural ExchangeVarious cultural festivals worldwide now include performances by whirling dervishes as part of broader showcases celebrating diversity through art forms rooted in spirituality. This exposure garners respect for not only Islamic traditions but also highlights commonalities shared across different faiths regarding humanity’s quest for meaning.Modern InterpretationsArtists today

Mirza Ghalib Jalal Zolfonum & Soheil Zolfonum (Mystic String Music Of Iran) Junaid Jamshed Junoon Kashmiri Sufi & Folk Music Kavita Seth & Brij Bhushan Kazi Nazrul Islam (Rebel Poet of Bengal) Khursheed Ahmad Naat Maher Zain Mai Bhagi (Sindhi Folk and Sufi) Masuma Anwar (Sindhi Folk and Sufi) Mansoor MalangiMaulana Tariq Jameel [Urdu Bayan]Marghoob Ahmad Naat Mehnaz Mekaal Hasan Band Mercan Dede Sufi Dreams Mohammed Iqbal Bahu (Heer Waris Shah & Saif ul Mulook)Mohsin Abbas HaiderMorocco – The Music Of Islam Muhammad Rafi Naat Muniba Shaikh Naat Munshi Raziuddin Qawwal Musarrat Nazir Music From Afghanistan Music in the World of Islam: Strings, Flutes & Trumpets Music Of Islam – World Sufi Music Muzaffar Warsi Naat Najam Sheraz Noor Jehan Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Nusrullah Khan Noori Owais Qadri Pathanay Khan Pooja Gaitonde Punjabi Sufi & Folk Music Qari Sadaqat Ali (Quran Recitation) Qari Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad Qari M Saeed Chishti Qari Shakir Qasmi Surah Recitations Qari Waheed Zafar Naat Qaseeda Burd Sharif Naat Quratulain Balouch (QB)Rabbi Shergill Rahat Fateh Ali KhanRahat Multanikar Seraiki Sufiana Kalam Rashid Azam Naat Reshma Rifai Sufi Dervish Order Sufi MusicRizwan-Muazzam Qawwal Roop Kumar RathodSabri Brothers Qawwal Sadia Raza Naat Khawaan Sain Mushtaq Hussain Saeen Zahoor Sami Yusuf Sanam Marvi Satnam Singh Sings Kalam Baba Farid Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan Shaukat AliShahida Parveen Shahram Nazeri Sharif Idu Shazia Manzoor Sings Sufiana Kalaam Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al Sudais (Imam-e-Kaaba)Sheikh Ahmad Al Ajamy Sheikh Ahmad Al Tuni Sheikh Mohamed Al Helbawy Egyptian Sufi MusicSher Ali & Mehr Ali QawwalShubha Mudgal Shyama Perara (Rumi Recitations)Sufi Inspired Music from India Sufi Music Ensembles from Turkey & Egypt Sindhi Rajasthani Sufi Music Sufi Soul Music Sufi Whirling Music Semaa/Sama Sultan Bahu Sufiana Kalaam Surinder Kaur & Parkash Kaur Syed Ali Arbaz Jafri (Noha) Syubbanul Akhyar Ensemble (Indonesian)Tabrez Aziz Mian Qawwal Tahseen Sakina Tamer Hosny Tanveer-ul-Islam Ahmed Tanya Wells [Vocalist of Seven Eyes Band] Thind Kuldeep Tufail Niazi Umme Habiba Naat Ustad Bahauddin Khan Qawwal Ustad Jafar Hussain Khan Ustad Juman Wadali Brothers Warsi Brothers Yemen Music from the Heart Of Arabia Yusuf Islam (Formerly Cat Steven)Zahida Parveen Zia Mohyeddin Read Faiz Ahmad Faiz Zia Mohyeddin Reads Urdu Adab Prose Zia Mohyeddin Read Mirza Ghalib Zikr Rough Guide To Sufi Music Zila Khan TheSufi.com Android App Install our TheSufi.com App on Android Phones and Tablets to download 6000+ MP3 More Sufi Topics Rumi Allama Iqbal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

This brings together, in English, for the first time a number of articles in one volume that have been published in various books and journals and are reprinted with permission. Through this work, Rumi and his poetry as well as the whirling dervishes, will hopefully become more widely known in Western countries than they are at present. The whirling dervishes are famous for their ecstatic dance and but here it is hoped that their role within Sufism will become more clearly understood. The book is an attempt to suggest a renewed manner of thinking about one of the most celebrated trends in the mystical dimension of the Islam, the religion of love of Rumi and the cosmic dance of the dervishes. The theology is at the back of all the itinerary and the all five chapters represent the possibility to rethink the dynamic relation between disciples and their Founder, institution and charisma, politics and mysticism.

Life Story of Mawlana Jalaluddin RumiMevlana was born in 1207 in Balkh (in present day Afghanistan). Mevlana’s father, Bahaddin Veled, left his homeland to escape the persecution of the Moguls. He first went with his family to Mecca and Medina and then to Asia Minor, seeking protection and asylum. Finally the family arrived in Konya in 1228 at the invitation of the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. Bahaddin Veled, known as the “chief of all the learned” in Konya, became highly respected among the Seljuks. When he died in 1231, his son Mevlana was 24 years old. After Bahaddin’s death, his followers and students began to gather around Mevlana. They regarded him as the sole intellectual and spiritual heir, and a source of inspiration. In the following years, Mevlana became a teacher in the schools of Konya. As a scholar and theologian, he became even more popular than his father.In 1244 Mevlana met the dervish Þems-i Tebriz, or Shemseddin of Tabriz. This meeting marked the beginning of a great mystic love between the two men. The influence of Shemseddin changed the once sober-minded theologian, Mevlana, into an ecstatic mystic. He neglected his work in order to have meditative sessions with Shemseddin, which often lasted weeks.Mevlana’s family and also his students and disciples disapproved of this relationship. Shemseddin finally had to flee from Konya. Mevlana suffered greatly and tried all ways to locate him. In the end Mevlana’s sons brought Shemseddin back to Konya. However after his return, the attitude of Mevlana’s family and of his disciples toward Shemseddin did not change. Around 1247 he disappeared again and was never found. Speculations indicate, that he might even have been murdered.After Shemseddin disappeared, Mevlana chose Selahaddin Zerkubi as his spiritual confidant until he died 10 years later. Mevlana dictated his major work. This six-volume work, known as the “Mesnevi” consists of 26,000 verses. It begins with the words, “Listen to the reed flute — talking about separation..”. The reed flute (ney) plays a special role in the ritual of the Mevlevi order. The Mesnevi, a masterpiece of Islamic mystic literature was written in verse, and included philosophical, mystical and spiritual messages. On December 17, 1273, Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi died in Konya.The ritual dance of his followers, more commonly known as the Whirling Dervishes, symbolizes a release from earthly ties, which liberates the soul and prepares it for union with the divine.The dance consists of three parts, which represent the stages of reaching, seeing, and uniting with God. In the first stage, the dancers whirl three times accompanied by the mournful sound of the ney. During the second part, they remove their coats. This symbolizes the release of the soul from earthly concerns. Then they slowly begin to whirl with their right hands palms up and left hands palms down. This gesture indicates: “What we receive from God we give to man, while we have nothing ourselves”.Their whirling movement represents the earth revolving on its axis and their rotation around the hall symbolizes the