Istanbul: Sufism
Photos & Words: Salina Christmas

I'm no expert on tasawwuf . But here, I will tell you what I observe of one of the many manifestations of this movement: the dancing dervishes.

Handasah al Sawt, or the Art of Sound, is an integral part of this adoration rite. The Art of Sound is not "music".

Quranic chant, the call of prayer and other religious audio-related practice, in this tradition, are way above music. They fall under the Art of Sound.

Jalaludin Muhammad Rumi, a 13th Century Ottoman citizen, is credited for popularising this dervish movement.