Whirling Dervishes
Another dervish wearing a maroon full-skirted long gown dancing during a Sema held at the Galata Melevi Tekkesi in Istanbul. Pivoting one one foot as they circle the room, right hand facing heaven and the left facing earth, the whirling dervishes symbolize spinning planets revolving around God. The whirling dervishes are members of a sect of Islam called Sufism, and its adherents are Sufis.

The young flutists, drummers, and choir form an ensemble called the "Mutrib".