This special ceremony is, first and foremost, a poetic experience. The original name “Sema” has two meanings: the skies and hearing.
The dervishes are raising their hands while whirling to feel the universe, its creation and motion. This is the way to reach maturity as a human being in an ecstatic moment full of love.
Concerning the performance at the ceremony, the classic sufi music is essential. It sets the stage and makes you to feel the emotional intensity before the rite starts. Then the whirling dervishes come forward to lift the curtain between the body and soul.
Although it was never seen as the mainstream, the Mevlevi Order has been a significant part of this city of coexistence. Usually, the literate and cultured ranks of the society, sometimes the Sultans, were admirers of the Sufi approach.