Mevlevi Turning 

The Mevlevi Turning is a method of obtaining inner stillness and peace, using music and dance; it is a type of meditation through movement. The turners wear distinctive white robes that flare outwards with the centrifugal force as they spin around. They dance in a circle, performing precisely choreographed movements with quiet attention, accompanied by specially composed music played on traditional instruments. 

This "Sema" dance is part of a ceremony called a Mukabele (meaning "coming face to face"). The Mukabele symbolises the unity of all creation and man's inner journey towards self-realisation. The turners use the body to calm the mind and open the heart.

Turning takes place on most Friday evenings during the year, and there is a Mukabele for visitors on the first Friday of the month (except January and August). To attend a visitor's evening please contact the office for details. 

Origins

 
The Turning was originally developed by the followers of the great Sufi poet and mystic Jalalu'ddin Rumi, also known as Mevlana. He lived in thirteenth century Konya in central Turkey, where the Mevlevi Order of dervishes (commonly known as whirling dervishes) have their origins. They were not sectarian and were known for their tolerance as exemplified in this saying of Mevlana:

"Come, come whoever you are.
An unbeliever, a fire worshipper, come.
Our convent is not one of desperation.
Even if you have broken your vows a hundred times,
Come, come again." 

In 1926 Ataturk's modernising regime suppressed all dervish orders and for many years turning was forbidden in Turkey. In the early 1960's restrictions were eased but turning was only allowed as a performance for tourists. In 1963 the method was given to the Study Society by a Mevlevi sheikh (teacher) with the permission of the head of the Mevlevi Order. They had recognised that the Study Society was on a similar path and could be relied on to keep the form unchanged.

Learning to turn

The Turning is suited to all people of reasonable fitness and is particularly suited to people living busy lives in the ordinary world. It is taught each autumn at Colet House (although different schedules may apply to our affiliates abroad). Lessons take place on two evenings a week, for a period of six months, with daily morning lessons during the final week .  On completing the basic training, new turners are expected to attend Mukabeles and practice sessions once a week for at least one year to consolidate what they have been taught. To apply or to find out more, please contact the office at Colet house.