‘Sufi Night’

Jawa is a Brussels-based ensemble with Syrian roots. Their mission: to preserve and perform the traditional Sufi experience after the devastating war in Syria. The ensemble performs traditional Sufi songs from Aleppo, complete with a whirling dervish. By whirling in circles – a symbolic imitation of the planets spinning around the sun – and letting go of all personal desires, giving their attention to music and focusing on God, the dervishes try to reach the source of all perfection.  

Since 2018, the Istanbul Sufi Ceremonies Ensemble has been performing traditional – but almost forgotten – rituals from the rich history of Sufism all around the world. Fatih Çıtlak, the spiritual leader of the ensemble, accompanies the Devran ceremony for us, whose circular movements symbolise the key tenet of the Sufis: God is with humanity at every moment. A circle of seated participants reminds us of the original bond between God and humanity, before they show the path that humans have taken. Standing upright, hand in hand, they bring the circle into motion and sing of God’s wisdom.