Curious about those Whirling Dervish Guys in Turkey?

Seriously, what is a whirling dervish dude? 

Formerly a religious ceremony, this experience in Cappadocia is now more of a show. And, I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Several men walk in and typically one whirling dervish plays a string instrument, another plays the drums and one sings. If you have a more elaborate setup, more dervishes will be involved – this will give you insights to what is a Whirling Dervish.

More cathartic than I thought…

Initially, someone comes in and announces that photography is prohibited. Brace yourself, the audience begins complaining immediately. It felt like someone let the air out of the room. However, do not despair, because staffers allow you to photograph until your hearts content at the end. And, it’s actually easier this way. 

If people were holding cameras over their heads during the show, it would have been difficult to see the stage. 

The ambience.

When the lights are dimmed, the atmosphere is more moving than I expected. And, it’s interesting to watch modern illumination emphasize a conservative ceremony. I was surprised that black lights were juxtaposed against a traditional sensibility, but it certainly melded together more seamlessly than I expected.

Whirling dervish fashion.

The men entered the stage wearing the classic white outfit and hats with serious height. Black cloaks were draped over their pre Labor Day ensembles. After staring at their outfits, I realized that the pleats which create that fabulous sense of drama are almost hidden.

At first glance, the folds are easy to miss. But, when you see a whirling dervish go to work, you understand how much fabric is involved.

Another trick I realized is that the skirts are weighted down. I kept wondering how the material spirals out at the same height for everyone. And, I think that reinforced seams solves that mystery.

The good stuff, the spinning!

After the initial whirling dervish kisses the ground, everyone else slaps the floor, hard. There is an elaborate series of bowing. Seriously, this must be the most polite group of people on the planet. Then, the twirling begins, and it is ethereal.

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Quite honestly, I have no idea how the dancers don’t fall over from dizziness. Everyone slowly moves their arms in deliberate positions. And, there is a quiet beauty within their graceful movements. 

The mystique of the seventh whirling dervish…

Interestingly enough, the seventh dervish is the last man to enter the room, and he does not pirouette. I kept thinking up elaborate backstories for this guy. Like, he must be the most interesting man in the world. And, since he basically controls the dance floor as he weaves in between the twirlers, I imagined him living a top secret life of decadence.

I pictured him jet setting around the planet in dark sunglasses. He parties everywhere from London to Paris then returns to the stage with no one the wiser.

I imagined this international man of mystery draped in cloak and dagger secrecy. Every time a global incident goes down, the seventh whirling dervish is on the scene. I even started wondering if he is actually Banksy. Probably not, but we don’t know his many aliases. So, you never know.

I assume his presence actually symbolizes the passing of this art form to the younger generation. But, to me, the seventh whirling dervish will forever be a clandestine man of illusive stealth.

A bit hypnotic.

Definitely compelling, each whirling dervish casts a spell over the audience. If you get into it, the experience is almost transcendent. However, if you are snapping photos, or worse, talking to your neighbor (the woman next to me wouldn’t be quiet), the experience will be lost on you.

Just realize that you will most likely not understand anything they are saying or singing. However, I don’t think that’s necessary to enjoy the performance.

Given the angsty audience, I assume the majority of the crowd misunderstood what a whirling dervish performance is actually about. I only bring this up because you should make sure you enjoy yourself among the hot air balloons and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for a lively show, you will be better served by the belly dancers.

Overall

The whirling dervish experience is not exactly fun, but it’s certainly interesting. I did not understand all of it, but it still felt culturally significant. It lasts less than an hour, so it easily holds your attention, and I think it’s a great show to see before dinner. If nothing else, you get quality time with the seventh dervish. And isn’t that what this adventure is really about?