The Whirling Dervishes of Rumi

(in collaboration with Fellowship of Faiths and Cultures Club at ASU)

Sufi Music Concert and Sema (Whirling) Performance
ASU’s Gammage Auditorium
07:30 pm, 13 April 2005 Whirling Dervishes of Rumi
Click for Agenda..

The Whirling Dervishes of Rumi, one of the most exquisite ceremonies of spirituality, was a rare opportunity to experience a mesmerizing seven-century old ritual, incredible performance featuring beautiful costumes, hypnotic live music with flutes, string and percussion, and the amazing sight of the Dervishes whirling on the stage.

The event was hosted by Rekha Muddaraj, and more than 1,000 special guests attended the performance, including state officials, faculty members, religious representatives of different faiths and various ethnic group representatives. The event was honored by Mr. Dilshod Achilov with a keynote speech on “Rumi, Sufism, and Universal Love” and by Mystic Poet Anddrew B. Alden with samples of Rumi’s poetry.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS EVENT

The Order of the Whirling Dervishes is one branch of the vast Sufi tradition of Islam. Sufism espouses a moderate interpretation of Islam, which focuses on love, tolerance, worship of God, community development, and personal development through self-discipline and responsibility. These universal themes are very much relevant to the social and political realities of today, and the ritual Sama performed by the Order of the Whirling Dervishes has come to symbolize these values in the hearts and minds of millions throughout the world.

Attendees of the performance in Tempe had the unique opportunity to witness this intensely spiritual and inspirational performance of the Whirling Dervishes without having to travel to Turkey. Testimonials coming soon...