Whirling Dervish Festival

From 10th – 17th December every year, crowds of devotees and tourists flock to the Whirling Dervish festival in Konya, Turkey. The festival commemorates the death of the great Sufi poet and teacher Rumi, whom many Muslims consider a saint. The Sufis believe that union with God can be achieved through dance and the Dervish dance to honour their teacher.

The dance known as “Sema”, is believed by the Sufis to have originated when the universe came into being. It is not just a movement of the body but a spiritual experience which is achieved through a combination of music, listening and the dance itself. The dance begins as the Dervishes step forward, with eyes downcast and their head slightly turned, they raise their arms, with the right palm facing towards heaven to receive God’s goodness and the left palm facing the earth in order to distribute it. They then begin to gently turn or “whirl” in a counter-clockwise direction, matching the revolution of the universe.

The Sema is performed every night of the festival, culminating in the “Nuptial Night” which symbolises Rumi’s death and his union with God.

Tailor-make a holiday to Turkey to include this amazing festival!

Additional Information

• Konya Whirling Dervish Festival dates:
• 10 December - 17 December

Applicable Prices

Whirling Dervish Festival is available on the following trips