Whirling Dervish is a member of a Muslim religious order, specifically Sufi, who has taken vows of poverty and austerity after 1001 days of training. It was started in Konya in the 13th century. We watched a Whirling Dervish ritual, not a show, but, it is related to Konya that gives me a special meaning as a Christian. So I am covering it in this post. Their ritual signifies tolerance based on 7 principles, and receiving the blessing to pass onto people. Their hand postures represent the receiving hand and the giving hand. We were not allowed to clap or take photos during the ritual, but they posed for photos after their ritual was over.
After we left Cappadocia, we made a stop at Sultanhani, a historic caravan lodging used in antiquity. This type of caravan lodging was established along the Silk Road every 20 km so that the caravan can rest and sleep.
As we arrived there, I saw a group of bike tourists whom I wanted to be one of for a long time. I had a nostalgic moment.
Konya's old name was Iconium that appears in the bible in Acts 13, 14, and 16. It is one of the towns that Paul and Barnabas visited during their first mission trip. The bible comes alive when you visit these places that appear in the bible. - Jeffrey
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