The Whirling Dervishes

The Whirling Dervishes

Istanbul, Turkey

While in Turkey last year I was lucky enough to, on two occasions, witness the famed Dervish Dance, a form of active meditation practiced by Sufis (a branch of Islam) as part of a worship ceremony where practitioners abandon nafs (personal desires) to focus their minds on the music and on God.

It’s hard to describe the experience, except to say that there is something deeply meditative about the tunes, the dance, and the atmosphere. Even as an observer, you can’t help but be pulled along on this transcendental journey to attain or at least become closer to kemal (perfection).

Would definitely recommend this if you find yourself in Turkey.

Camera Equipment

Canon 7D with 24-105mm f/4 IS L

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