Whirling Dervishes

A school for whirling dervishes was/is (?) based in Manisa.  We visited a museum site and a guide told us about their historic training.  (Unfortunately he did not do a very good job of giving us the background of who the dervishes were.  This will require a bit more digging on my own when I return to get the full background.)  

In the 1300s, when a man wanted to follow the holy leader and become a dervish, he came to the school and kneeled in the entry for three full days (he could use the bathroom, but otherwise stayed in place).  This was to demonstrate that he had the patience necessary to become a dervish.  After observing him, if the Master believed he could enter the training, he would turn his shoes to face the door of the school.  If he was rejected, his shoes would be turned away from the door.  The dervishes seek peace not confrontation, so this was the silent signal to the candidates.

After being accepted, there were 18 steps to becoming a full dervish.  The first 6 steps or so involved providing service to others by working in the kitchen, cleaning, etc.  This demonstrated or taught the quality humbleness.  Another task was to collect money from the public in order to buy food for the school, this taught humility.  The dervishes "ate little, slept little, and spoke little".  Only 2 simple meals a day, only 20 words a day were spoken.

After serving in the kitchens they would enter these reflection rooms (sign translates something like place of suffering).  They are small with low ceilings.  They would sit in here for hours at a time and reflect on their purpose in life.  They would be questioned by the Master and if they had a satisfactory answer they could advance to the highest levels of training.  If they did not reach this highest level after 1001 days, they had to leave the school.

Discussions of philosophy with the Master.  These were open to the public if they wanted to listen and learn.  (Green hat is the master).

For final note see:  Special surprise...