Still feeling dizzy

[Owl Lady]

Just returned from the Whirling Dervishes concert at Bellapais Abbey in aid of Tulips, Still feeling dizzy and wondering how they manage to still stand up?? It appeared to be a sell out, hope you made a lot of money. Thanks for organising it.

[Panchocat]

A brilliant evening and so atmospheric in the Abbey. Made me dizzy watching at some points, amazing display.
Thank you to all concerned with the organisation.
Will they be performing anywhere else in the near future does anyone know?

[BLUE BUTTERFLY]

I am so sad that I was not able to go, I am longing to see them perform. Some say it is boring, others say it it is very relaxing and atmospheric.

I listened to Carole and Sue being interviewed on BRT this morning regarding TULIPS, they were very interesting and informative and I liked their choice of music. They said they were hoping that at least 300 people would attend the abbey tonight.

I hope they reached their target.

Well done again ladies. And everyone who attended.

[tulips]

Thank you all for your feedback, we also had some great comments as people were leaving.

We had a full house last night which made the atmosphere even better, so thank you to everyone who came.

We will let you know how much we made once we have the final figure.

We had many people wanting to buy tickets on the door, unfortunately we could not let everyone in so we will let you know if we can arrange another performance!

[metin]

Yes it was excellent, and so glad it was a sell-out.
As the Dervishes perform for free there was a tip box for them on the way out.......I was so shocked to see so many people rushing by it, so they didn,t have to add any money to the box !!!! You could see the look on their faces........as tickets were only 10 tl, I just felt so sad that they couldn't have donated just a couple of lira.

[metin]

And yes still feeling dizzy, cos when I got home, thought I would give it a whirl (excuse the pun ), managed about 6 turns........stopped, and my head was all over the place !!!! Lol.

[Owl Lady]

Yes Metin, I agree about the tight A---s that didn't donate a kurus for the dancers. See you at Coffee morning tomorrow.

[Marions]

In answer to a question earlier, yes they do perform (actually it is more of a spiritual exercise than a performance), . ~They are at the Abbey every week, and there is a notice in the grounds of the kybele restaurant next door. If you want I will find out the times . There are two performances a night, but of course that might end as the tourist season is coming to an end. I will find out.
Also form time to time one can see them at the Mevlane Museum at Kyrenia Gate in Lefkosia. This is on special occaisons, I believe, but again information can be obtained from the museum or possibly the Tourist information Office. Plus for a while they were dancing at Lefkosia in the place by the Bandabulya. I will try to put the info on here some time as it is of interest and is part of the history of the island, and of ocurse of Islam itself. They originated in Konya, but you were probably told that on Sunday.

It is something I would love to learn because of the ability to go into a trance and be at one with higher things (!), and I did hear a rumour that they are letting or considering letting females to become Whirling Dervishes. Perhaps I should find out about that. I would think if y9u are a trained ballet5 dancer you have a head's start, otherwise the head might not be able to take it.!

[Panchocat]

Thank you for that information, Marion. I will have a look at Kybele. I have friends coming on September 21 who I know would love to share the experience.

[Marions]

Sorry Panchocat. I made a point of looking today and it all came to an end on 1st September at Bellapais. I do not know what has happened at the Bedestan in Lefkosia, but maybe the Tourist iNFORMAITON office can help.

If I find out any further info, I will let you know.

It would be good for your friends to see as the Meyvlane are a very importan t part of the spiritual life of Islam.

[wedinnorthcyprus]

The very best place to see them is Konya, i was lucky enough to go a few years ago and have to say what an amazing experience it was.

[Marions]

Well that is their home! Wish I could see them there. Maybe one day, but fo rnow, it is good to see them at LEFKOSIA IN THEIR 'SECOND HOME'.

[Panchocat]

Thank you Marion, that's a shame. I will get details from the museum near Kyrenia Gate.

[cjtill]

Though the exhibition was well organised the actual dancing was not really to my taste, though the backing music was brilliant.....very Third Ear Band...ish.

[Marions]

If you read the write up in the current edition of KIibKom Times you will see that Tulips is hoping to do a repeat of this later in the year Panchocat! So maybe you can catch tha tone.

However, as to the music not being to the liking of cjtill, one has to remember this is NOT an entertainment, but an opportunity to watch a spiritual experience. For the Mevlane this is worship and a way of drawing nearer to higher spiritual things . Not sure it has always had music, but if you research/.google the Whirling Dervishes you will see how, where and why it all started. Hope that helps put a perspective eon why the music is what it is.

I was not able to get to Bellapais - just as well as there were no seats left! - but I hope to catch up with them again, as it doe smy soul good. I had to struggle at uni with a book written partly about the Dervishes and how their trance puts them into a high state of 'awe'. The book was a struggle, but I learned a lot form it. Hence I find that coming ot Cyprus and finding the museum in Lefkosia was a great thrill to me (some 25 years ago now), but I have ltitle chance to see them. Also Panchocat, one of the best places is that Museum in lefkosia and then you could come to |Bellapais and support Tulips later.