Whirling Like Dervishes in Turkey, but Open to Everyone
Hundreds of people attended a seven-day retreat in the Turkish countryside seeking transcendence through sema, the spiritual practice of whirling.
Sufism (Religion)
Khaled Sabsabi’s Rocky Road From Australia to the Biennale
The Lebanese-Australian artist almost lost his Venice Biennale commission after he was accused of supporting terrorism. Reinstated, he is arriving in Venice showing not one but two works.
In Istanbul, Tombs of Religious Figures Still Draw Pilgrims
Turkey’s largest city is dotted with the tombs of religious figures, where pilgrims seek divine intervention. “When you ask for something from God, those who are beloved by God can be a go-between.”