WHIRLING LIKE DERVISHES IN TURKEY, BUT OPEN TO EVERYONE

According to a New York Times World News report, hundreds of people gathered in a remote Turkish countryside location for a seven‑day retreat centered on sema, the spiritual practice of whirling. The event, open to participants of all backgrounds, aimed to provide an experience of transcendence through this traditional Sufi dance.

The retreat combined daily sema sessions with periods of meditation, communal meals, and guided reflections on personal spirituality. Attendees were encouraged to learn the ritual from experienced practitioners, though the text does not specify the number of instructors or the exact size of each session. The program’s duration—one full week—allowed participants to immerse themselves fully in the practice, according to the NYT article.

Sema has long been associated with Sufi orders in Turkey, often practiced in designated dervish lodges. By opening the retreat to a broad public, organizers sought to broaden access to this contemplative tradition beyond its historical practitioners.

• Hundreds of participants attended a seven‑day sema retreat in rural Turkey.
• The event was open to people of all backgrounds, not just Sufi practitioners.
• Sessions included whirling, meditation, and communal meals over a full week.
• No additional details were provided by the NYT beyond the basic structure of the retreat.

Read the original source for full detail available at NYT > World News src