Meddah tradition features single storytellers performing improvised stories with canes. Mevlevi Semah symbolizes path to God with mystical movements and music. Âşıklık tradition includes oral duels and recitations with saz. Karagöz is shadow theatre with animated characters on water buffalo skin. Ebru is traditional water-based marbling art using natural pigments
Born in 1465 to Amasya Halvetiyye sheikh and Mevlana Hamazatuddin's descendant. Educated in Amasya madrasa and completed studies in Constantinople. Started as clerk at Amasya Court in 1491, later became chief clerk
Dervishes are Sufi members of the Mevlevi order following Mevlana. Sufism is an 800-year-old Islamic mystical movement seeking divine union. Dervishes undergo strict spiritual and physical training
Whirling Dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order founded by Rumi in 13th century. They perform Sema ceremony with white gown and sikke hat. Sema involves anti-clockwise whirling symbolizing planetary orbits. Traditional Turkish music accompanies the dance, featuring ney and other instruments
Mevlevi Order founded by Mevlana in Konya during Seljuk period. Galata Mevlevihane in Istanbul is elaborate Ottoman-era structure. Order spread through Divani Mehmet Celebi's efforts to Egypt, Algeria, and Anatolia
Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi was born in 1207 in Balkh, Afghanistan. He became a professor in religious sciences at age 24. Died in Konya in 1273, leaving behind a splendid shrine. His teachings emphasize love, unity, and tolerance