The Order of the Mevlevi are a Sufi sect known as "Whirling Dervishes." Through the practice of "sema," or listening, in a prayer-induced trance, the Dervishes aim to act as a bridge between God and humankind. Browse through photos taken by CNN's Joe Duran.
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Inside a 'Whirling Dervish' lodge —
Every Sunday, a different Mevlevi order visits Istanbul and worships at the Galata Mevlevihanesi, a Dervish "Tekke" or lodge.
Joe Duran/CNN
Inside a 'Whirling Dervish' lodge —
When CNN visits, two teenage Dervishes are conducting their debut sema ritual in public. The young semazens, aged 14 and 15, wear white felt hats rather than the traditional brown.
Joe Duran/CNN
Inside a 'Whirling Dervish' lodge —
For the two new semazens, it's a coming of age moment; the beginning of a long life of spiritual modesty displayed through meditative dance.
Joe Duran/CNN
Inside a 'Whirling Dervish' lodge —
The Dervishes turn as one arm reaches to the sky "taking from God" and the other "gives life to the earth," says Celaleddin Loras, a Mevlevi Sheikh, or master of the order.
Joe Duran/CNN
Inside a 'Whirling Dervish' lodge —
The Dervishes glide effortlessly in circles, their white robes rising and falling, thinking all the while of their act as a bridge from God to earth.
Joe Duran/CNN
Inside a 'Whirling Dervish' lodge —
The Mevlevis were banned in Turkey in 1925 due to their religious associations. Restrictions were eased in the 1950s allowing Dervishes to worship in public, with onlookers giving donations.
