Whirling dervishes are practitioners of a form of Sufi dance known as the Sema. This dance is a spiritual practice that symbolizes the journey of the soul towards God. The dancers wear long, flowing robes and spin in repetitive circles, which is believed to help them achieve a state of spiritual ecstasy and connection. Originating from the teachings of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, whirling dervishes are part of the Mevlevi order. This order emphasizes love, tolerance, and the pursuit of divine truth through music and dance, making the Sema a significant cultural and spiritual tradition in Turkey and beyond.