The Whirling Dervishes, Also Known As Mevlevi Order or Mevlevi Sufis

I see that you are referring to “Dervisci Rotanti,” which is the Italian translation for “Whirling Dervishes.” The Whirling Dervishes, also known as Mevlevi Order or Mevlevi Sufis, are a mystical Sufi Islamic group famous for their spiritual practice of whirling, which is a form of active meditation.

The Whirling Dervishes perform a ceremonial dance called the “Sema,” which is a symbolic representation of their spiritual journey towards union with the divine. During the Sema, the Dervishes spin in a circular motion while wearing traditional white robes and tall conical hats, symbolizing their spiritual transformation and transcendence.

If you are interested in witnessing the Whirling Dervishes or attending a Sema ceremony, you can find such performances in Istanbul. As mentioned earlier, the Galata Mevlevi House is a well-known venue where you can experience the Sema ceremony performed by the Whirling Dervishes.

Please note that the Mevlevi Order is not exclusive to Istanbul, and you can find similar ceremonies and performances in other parts of Turkey, such as Konya, which is considered the spiritual home of the Mevlevi tradition.

Attending a Sema ceremony provides a unique opportunity to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the Whirling Dervishes and gain insight into the spiritual practices and traditions of Sufism.