Mawlaw’īyya is a Sufi order founded in Turkey by the followers of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi, a 13th century Persian theologian. They are also known as the Whirling Dervishes due to their famous practice of whirling as a form of remembrance of God. Dervish is a common term for an initiate of the Sufi path; the whirling is part of the formal Sama ceremony.

During a visit to Turkey in January 2012, we witnessed a whirling dervish spiritual dance ceremony. The light conditions were not in our favor and I was extremely challenged to photograph the Dervishes. In addition it was a strict no photography performance. However at the end of the show, we got a one minute to make a photo as remembrance. 

I had to move very fast and I am glad I got these few shots.

Click first photo below to view entire series in slide show.