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Immediate_nerddpedia_entry Encyclopedia Entry 1778502126

** The Whirling Dervishes, also known as the Mevlevi Order, are a mystical Islamic sect that originated in 13th-century Turkey, characterized by their iconic whirling dance, which is a spiritual expression of devotion and a means to attain spiritual ecstasy. **CONTENT:** ## Overview The Whirling Dervishes, officially known as the Mevlevi Order, are a mystical Islamic sect that emerged in the 13th century in Konya, Turkey. Founded by Rumi, a renowned Persian poet and Sufi mystic, the order is named after him and is dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual growth and self-realization. The Mevlevi Order is a branch of Sufism, a mystical tradition within Islam that emphasizes the inner dimensions of faith and the attainment of spiritual ecstasy through love, devotion, and self-surrender. The Whirling Dervishes are known for their distinctive whirling dance, which is a spiritual expression of devotion and a means to attain spiritual ecstasy. The Mevlevi Order is characterized by its emphasis on the importance of love, compassion, and self-surrender in the spiritual journey. The order's teachings are based on the principles of Sufism, which emphasizes the inner dimensions of faith and the attainment of spiritual ecstasy through love, devotion, and self-surrender. The Whirling Dervishes believe that the universe is a vast, interconnected web of energy and consciousness, and that the individual soul is a microcosm of the divine. Through their whirling dance, the Dervishes seek to transcend the limitations of the ego and attain a state of spiritual unity with the divine. ## History/Background The Mevlevi Order was founded in the 13th century by Rumi, a renowned Persian poet and Sufi mystic. Rumi was born in 1207 in Balkh, Afghanistan, and later moved to Konya, Turkey, where he became a prominent figure in the city's spiritual and cultural life. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Sufism, which emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and self-surrender in the spiritual journey. Rumi's poetry and teachings had a profound impact on the development of Sufism, and his legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers around the world. The Mevlevi Order was formally established in 1273, when Rumi's son, Sultan Walad, became the order's first leader. Under Sultan Walad's leadership, the order flourished and spread throughout the Ottoman Empire. The Whirling Dervishes became known for their distinctive whirling dance, which was a spiritual expression of devotion and a means to attain spiritual ecstasy. The dance was performed to the accompaniment of music and poetry, and was considered a sacred ritual that allowed the Dervishes to transcend the limitations of the ego and attain a state of spiritual unity with the divine. ## Key Information The Whirling Dervishes are known for their distinctive whirling dance, which is a spiritual expression of devotion and a means to attain spiritual ecstasy. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of music and poetry, and is considered a sacred ritual that allows the Dervishes to transcend the limitations of the ego and attain a state of spiritual unity with the divine. The dance is characterized by its slow, circular movements, which are meant to symbolize the rotation of the planets and the cycles of birth and death. The Mevlevi Order is also known for its emphasis on the importance of love, compassion, and self-surrender in the spiritual journey. The order's teachings are based on the principles of Sufism, which emphasizes the inner dimensions of faith and the attainment of spiritual ecstasy through love, devotion, and self-surrender. The Whirling Dervishes believe that the universe is a vast, interconnected web of energy and consciousness, and that the individual soul is a microcosm of the divine. ## Significance The Whirling Dervishes are a significant cultural and spiritual phenomenon in the Islamic world, and their legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers around the world. The order's emphasis on the importance of love, compassion, and self-surrender in the spiritual journey has had a profound impact on the development of Sufism, and its teachings continue to influence spiritual traditions around the world. The Whirling Dervishes are also known for their distinctive whirling dance, which is a powerful symbol of the spiritual journey. The dance is a means to attain spiritual ecstasy, and is considered a sacred ritual that allows the Dervishes to transcend the limitations of the ego and attain a state of spiritual unity with the divine. The dance is a testament to the power of spiritual expression and the importance of creativity in the spiritual journey. **INFOBOX:** - Name: Mevlevi Order (Whirling Dervishes) - Type: Sufi Islamic Sect - Date: 13th century (founded in 1273) - Location: Konya, Turkey - Known For: Whirling Dance and Sufi Mysticism **TAGS:** Sufism, Islamic Mysticism, Whirling Dervishes, Mevlevi Order, Rumi, Spiritual Ecstasy, Love, Compassion, Self-Surrender, Whirling Dance, Sufi Poetry, Ottoman Empire, Turkish Culture.