Whirling Dervishes, Beyoglu, Taksim, Istanbul, Turkey

Galata Mevlevihanesi whirling dervish hall in Beyoglu, Taksim.
The Mavlavi order believe in performing their 'dhikr' in the form of a "dance" and musical ceremony known as the 'Sama', which involves the whirling, from which the order acquired its nickname. The Sema represents a mystical journey of man's spiritual ascent through mundane love to the "Perfect".