Loading ...... Prior to performance of the dervishes, people of the Hindu community performed ‘Bhajan’ and later a Parsi (Zoroastrian) family also performed on stage an act, which, they informed the audience, was, according to their tradition, an occasion where the bride and groom first meet each other. ...
KARACHI: The group of ‘Whirling Dervishes’ from Turkey displayed a beautiful performance on Tuesday at the KMC building. They were invited by the Naib Nazim, CDGK, to celebrate the building’s Platinum Jubilee with the local public as part of the inter-faith evening. The dance was performed by the ‘Whirling Dervishes’ under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey.
The dance, known as ‘Mevlavi Sema’, is a dervish mystic religious ritual, and is associated with the great Muslim spiritual scholar, Molana Jalaluddin Rumi. This dance is said to be initiated by Molana Rumi, as he had the habit of occasionally whirling in the streets of Konye, a place where he spent most of his life in the 13th Century.
One of the most famous Sufi orders, it was founded in 1273 by Rumi’s followers after his death, including his son, Sultan Veled Celebi. It is believed that, ‘The Whirling Dervishes’ is actually ‘Dhikr’ in the form of a ‘dance’ and this music ceremony is called the ‘Sema’.
This dance is performed in seven different parts, namely ‘Natt-e-Serif’, praises for the Almighty and for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); ‘Kudum’, the beating of a small kettle drum, in order to symbolise ‘Be’, the command of the Almighty, which was said to have created the universe; ‘Ney’ and ‘Greetings’ are other steps of the dance. The most interesting and entertaining part of the dance is the ‘whirling’, in which the dervishes drop their black cloaks and disclose their white costumes, which are actually long, flowing skirts reaching just above their toes. Basically, the dropping of the cloak means the casting off of falsehood and the disclosure of the truth.
Each of the dervishes places their arms on the chest to represent his belief in the Almighty. They bow and kiss the hand of the spiritual leader to ask for permission to enter the Sema.
During this process, each dervish slowly opens their right hand out towards the Heaven to receive blessings, and the left hand down to communicate to the earth. The Dervish whirls from right to left, by keeping their heart with the affiliation of their turn.
They complete four whirling sessions, approximately 15 minutes each, and then rest briefly. The spiritual leader joins the team in the final session, but does not remove his cloak and moves slower than the others.
Near the end, prayers are recited from the Holy Qur’aan in praise of the Almighty, this step is known as ‘Prayer’ and the final part is known as ‘Fatiha’, in which Sura Fatiha is recited.
Prior to performance of the dervishes, people of the Hindu community performed ‘Bhajan’ and later a Parsi (Zoroastrian) family also performed on stage an act, which, they informed the audience, was, according to their tradition, an occasion where the bride and groom first meet each other. The Christian community also made their appearance and sung Christmas carols.
The Chief Minister of Sindh, Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, City Naib Nazim, Nasreen Jalil, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey, along with some other officials, and a small number of television and theatre artists were present to witness the performance of Turkish delegation. They will also perform in another programme on Wednesday.
Talking to The News, Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey said that this group was called to celebrate the 800th birth anniversary of Molana Rumi and will leave for France after performing in Karachi. He further said UNESCO has officially announced that this year would be dedicated to famous personalities and Molana Rumi is one of them. The Consulate office of Republic of Turkey is arranging a full display of the dance across the world.
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