Whirling Practice Inspired by Turkish Dervishes Now Accessible to the Public in New York

New York, NY, August 9, 2026 —

A practice drawing inspiration from the spiritual ceremony of Turkish Whirling Dervishes is now available to the public in New York, according to a report by The New York Times. This tradition, deeply rooted in Sufi Islam, involves a meditative spinning ritual intended to achieve spiritual ecstasy and union with the divine.

While the traditional ceremony is performed by Mevlevi Sufis, often in specific religious contexts, this new offering in New York aims to make elements of the practice accessible for wider participation. The report does not specify the exact nature of the public offering, such as whether it is led by certified instructors or involves a simplified version of the ceremony.

The Whirling Dervishes, officially known as the Mevlevi Order, have a history stretching back to the 13th century. Their signature whirling, or Sema, is a carefully choreographed dance that symbolizes a mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. Each movement in the Sema has a specific meaning, representing different stages of this journey.

The New York Times article highlights the growing interest in contemplative and spiritual practices in urban environments, suggesting that this offering may appeal to individuals seeking mindfulness, stress reduction, or a deeper connection to themselves. Further details regarding the location, schedule, and specific requirements for participation were not provided in the summary.

Story summarized from the original created by Google News on news.google.com, see more information here.