The Whirling Dervishes of Rumi

The whirling dervishes of Turkey are a familiar sight. It is perhaps less known, however, that the whirling dervishes are a part of the Mevlevi order, which was founded in the 13th century by the Persian poet Rumi. A recent whirling dervish performance in Kuala Lumpur gave audiences the opportunity to see how poetry, music, movement, and worship come together. In honour of World Poetry Day, we learn more about this ancient practice founded by one of the most revered poets in history.