congeries

A D E R V I S E

"The Dervises... are divided into thirty-two sects; and there is not perhaps of one of them, of witch the regulations and practices are more curious then those of the sect Mewlewys, of which Djelal-ud-dinn Mewlana was the founder. This sect is particularly distinguished by the singularity of their mode of dancing, which has nothing in common with the other societies. These devises [sic! - так в тексте] also have peculiar prayers and practices. When they perform their exercises in public, it is generally in parties of nine, eleven or thirteen people. They first form a circle, and sing the first chapter of Koran. The Chief, or Scheik, then recites two prayers, which are immediately succeeded by the dance of the dervises. They leave their places and range themselves on the left of the superior, and advance toward him very slowly. When the first Dervise comes opposite to Scheik, he makes a salutation, and passing on, begins the dance. It consists of turning rapidly round upon the right foot with arms widely extended." - PLATE XLVI, Le Costume Historique: Lithograph Plates by M.A. Racinet. Paris, 1888.