Whirling Dervishes

Whirling Dervishes
Originally uploaded by kden604.

Yesterday I met up with Zeliha and her family in Konya and got to learn a lot about local food and culture. I also went to a mosque twice during prayer which is a much different experience than going when it is quiet.

Just after we met it was time for afternoon prayer so we went to one of the newer mosques in Konya. Because males and females pray separately we had to go to different entrances and while I was looking around a gentleman inside grabbed my arm and took me up to the front and centre where the prayers go on. It was very neat going through the motions, as I said it was the first time I had seen it before.

After that we headed to dinner out at a restaurant and we ate mithat tirit which is a bread with meat and tomato then you add on other stuff from communial dishes at the table. The bread is made inside a giant woodburning oven and tastes wonderful. After we ate I also took some pictures of the cooks making the bread and putting it in the oven. I also drank a drink that is made from yogurt and water, it isnt my kind of drink but I think if I lived here a while it would grow on you. Its a little bitter, but supposedly very healthy and good for digestion while eating meat.

The highlight of the night was certainly seeing the Whirlimg Dervishes, which is a very impressive show. Everyone is spinning in a trance like state for long periods of time with their eyes closed and never touch each other, despite the fact they are also moving in a large circle as a group. Its really very beautiful to see. They spin with right hand palm up to get goodness from god and their left palm downwards giving the goodness to the world.

This morning we went to Sille and had a wonderful breakfast in a very old traditional house with many interesting artifacts on display. The food was great and blue cheese was a fırst for me... Its very good, I have eaten it in salad dressings but never in actual chunks of cheese.

We saw the town of Sille and drove around other places in Konya also, all the while snapping pictures along the way. It made a huge difference knowing someone here, you learn so much more and I think I asked about a hundred questions about Islam and Mosques and Culture here. Thank you so much Zeliha it was wonderful meeting you and your family and I really appreciate all the information you shared.

This morning when I woke up there was a note taped to my door from my three Korean friends I met and travelled with since Cappadocia, just to say goodbye because they left very early and perhaps we would meet again in Denizly, the town I am heading to tomorrow.

Hope to see you there Min Su, Yu Ri, and Peel Young!

It was too funny fittıng all four of us in the backseat of the car on the way back from the Dervishes =)

Some Quotes from Mevlana

Come, Come Again, Whoever, Whatever you may be come; Heathen, Fire Worshiper, Sinful of Idolatry Come. Come even if you broke your penitence a hundred tımes, ours ıs not the portal of despair and mısery, come.

Either seem as you are, Or be as you seem.

When we are dead, do not turn your eyes to the ground, seeking my grave! My grave will be in the hearts of the wise.

Mecalis-İseb´a (Seven Courts)

1. The way to salvation for nations whıch have swerved from the right path
2. Avoiding fault and awakening from thoughtlessness with the way of the mind.
3. The power of belief.
4. Those who repent and find the right way are the beloved subjects of the God.
5. The value of knowledge.
6. Slumber of indıfference.
7. Importance of the mind.