istanbul, turkey arrive: tuesday 20 july 0800 depart - University of ...

IST23 SUFI DERVISH CEREMONY EXTENDED – GROUP A (1845-2130 Wednesday, 21 July) Minimum
32/Maximum 140 (PRICE: $47)
[FDP: HUEY & KALOYANIDES]
You have probably heard about the Whirling Dervishes in Turkey. In contrast to the main body of Islamic belief,
dervish groups extol the virtues of music and dance, including a whirling ceremony that represents a union with
God. The music is vital to this tradition and serves as a vehicle of enlightenment and revelation. The ceremony’s
pesrev and saz semai compositions and the instrumental ensemble of ney, tambur, kanun, küdüm and rebab
formed the foundation of the glorious Ottoman classical music that, like the Sema, was suppressed in the early
years of the republic. In these Sema ceremonies, the so-called “Whirling Dervishes” use their mystical music and
dance to reflect the transcendent value of the heart’s purity, the image of the perfect being, and the belief that the
Sema is one way of reaching total peace with oneself and with the universe at large. These ceremonies are not
mere “performances” but spiritual rituals dating back to the 13 th century. Participants should be respectful of this
ritual and should dress conservatively. In keeping with tradition, men and women may be asked to observe the
ceremony in separate groups. This practicum will provide participants the opportunity to engage in participantobservation
and gain insight into the use and function of music and dance in this ritual and its parent society.
Please note: dress appropriately for this religious ceremony. Photo and video without flash is permitted.
The practice of Sufi whirling is indigenous to Turkey. The dance is performed by male dervishes in a self-directed
attempt to reach a state of spiritual ecstasy. The word “dervish” may be literally translated as one who opens
doors, and the dervish serves as a mediator, or facilitator, for obtaining an enhanced state of being through
wisdom, medicine, poetry and enlightenment. Professor Huey’s students should carefully observe the body, head
and hand movements of the dervishes, because each subtle movement carries significant spiritual meaning. The
entire dance is a literal portrayal of the life, belief and essence of the ascetic dervish.
Following the Whirling Dervish Ceremony, questions can be directed to the performers about the ritual and
physical actions. A short lecture will be provided by the wiseman or the master about the philosophy, symbolism,
spiritual advancements, transformations, meanings, cosmology and instruments. Professor Kaloyanides’ students
will use this practicum to explore how music and dance can function as pathways to “otherness” and as powerful
tools in achieving transcendent perception and spirituality.
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IST24 JEWISH TRADITION IN ISTANBUL (0830-1200 Thursday, 22 July) Minimum 21/No Maximum
(PRICE: $34)
While Turkey remains primarily influenced by its Islamic traditions, the Jewish community has found its place in
this Muslim society. The members of Istanbul’s Jewish community were originally from Spain and were offered
residence in Turkey to escape the Spanish Inquisition. Drive to the Galata section of the town where the Jewish
community once lived and view the area from the top of the tower. Walk through the old streets to visit the Neve
Shalom Synagogue and learn about the Askenazi, Conversos and Sephardic Jews in Turkey and the Ottoman
Empire. Then drive along the Golden Horn to Haskoy to visit the Ohrida Synagogue, built in the 15 th century and
housed in the Balat neighborhood where the Star of David appears on the façades of buildings. Please note: A name
list will be provided in advance to obtain permission to enter the various sites. Therefore, it is not possible to sell
your space for this practicum to another participant. In addition, you will need to bring your passport with you.
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