Ep 7. Whirling Dervishes

Fantastic Festivals of the World takes the viewers on a journey to experience the most magnificent and colorful festivals happening around the world. In Season 1 Episode 7, the viewers get to witness the Turkish tradition of the Whirling Dervishes and their spectacular dance routine.

The Whirling Dervishes are a part of the Sufi order of Islam, which believes in the mystical connection between the divine and human by way of music and dance. The episode explores the history and origin of the ceremonial dance that dates back to the 13th century.

The viewers are taken to the city of Konya, Turkey, where the Whirling Dervish ceremony originated and where the famous poet Rumi lived and practiced Sufism. The episode gives a glimpse of the impressive Mevlana Museum, which houses the tomb of Rumi and the artifacts that were used during the Whirling Dervish ritual.

The viewers are then introduced to the Mevlana Culture Center, where the Whirling Dervish performance is conducted. The center is managed by the descendants of Rumi, who keep the tradition alive. The episode showcases the ancient ritualistic practices of the Dervishes, such as the wearing of white robes, the Semah dance, and the significance of the Sufi music.

The episode also explores the spiritual meaning and philosophy behind the Whirling Dervish dance. The Dervishes believe that by spinning in a precise manner, they can attain a state of trance and reach a state of oneness with the divine. The episode delves into the technique of the spinning, which is said to symbolize the orbiting of the planets and the rotation of the earth.

Apart from the performance itself, the episode also highlights the preparation process of the Dervishes, which includes a series of cleansing, fasting, and meditation techniques. The viewers learn about the strict lifestyle that the Dervishes must abide by in order to enter into a spiritual communion.

Lastly, the episode showcases the annual Mevlana Festival, which celebrates the life and teachings of the great poet and the Whirling Dervish ceremony. The festival attracts visitors from all parts of the world and showcases a colorful display of traditional Turkish music, food, and arts.

Overall, Fantastic Festivals of the World Season 1 Episode 7 provides an exceptional insight into the ancient Turkish tradition of the Whirling Dervishes. The viewers get to experience the magic, the spiritual significance, and the grandeur of the ceremony that has survived the test of time. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in cultural and spiritual traditions of the world.