Semazens; 2K. Illustration by Ingrid SchaarThe Shaikh; 2K. Illustration by Ingrid Schaar.

The dervishes enter the semahane (sema hall), led by the semazenbashi (dance master), and slowly line up to one side with heads bowed. The semazenbashi wears a white sikke (felt hat), and stands closest to the sheikh’s post. The shaikh is the last to enter the hall. He stops to bow at the axis line to his post and walks slowly to a red sheepskin.

 

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