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Renowned Whirling Dervishes To Perform On Campus

Thursday, September 21, at 7:00 p.m., Elmhurst College will host a free performance by the world famous Whirling Dervishes from Turkey.   Their performance is termed “an exquisite ceremony of spirituality, featuring beautiful costumes, hypnotic live music, and the sight of the Dervishes whirling on the stage.” 

This event will be open to the public inside Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel Auditorium (190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst).

The Order of the Whirling Dervishes, a group known world-wide but witnessed by few Americans, was founded nearly eight centuries ago by the Muslim mystic and poet, Rumi.  Their ritual performance (or “Sema”) represents a spiritual journey to perfection, an ascent by means of intelligence and love.  References are made to the birth of Jesus, the unity of God, and the ecstasy of witnessing God's splendor and omnipotence.
 
As Sema is a spiritual activity, audience members are asked to refrain from applause until after the Dervishes have left the stage.  Photography is permitted.

The Elmhurst College appearance by the Whirling Dervishes is made possible through the generous support of the Niagara Foundation.  For further information call (630) 617-3033.