Ecstatic Dances of the Whirling and Howling Dervishes of Turkey and Syria

The Mevlevi Order of the Whirling Dervishes was inaugurated in Turkey in 1273. This CD features dances of the Whirling Dervishes from Turkey and Syria. These are authentic field recordings by ethnomusicologist Deben Bhattacharya, made in 1974, 1972, 1960 and as far back as 1955, when the Mevlevis had to practise their religion in secrecy due to political and religious pressure. The booklet contains photographs and explanations of music and instruments.