Whirling Dervishes

Tuesday morning dawned beautiful and clear, the perfect day for our scheduled cruise on the Bosporus.  Before hitting the sea, we trudged up the hill to Suleyman’s mosque, which was probably the most beautiful and ornate mosque we saw the entire trip.  After touring the mosque and the tombs around it, we headed back down one of Istanbul’s seven hills to the water.  As we set out from the harbor, we learned about the history of both the European and Asian forts, as well as the Dolmabache Palace, which we would see on our trip. 

Out on the water, the sun gently touched our faces on the top deck of the boat.  Although Istanbul is beautiful from land, it is even more beautiful from the water (if that is imaginable).  I have to say that the cruise on the water was my favorite part of the trip so far.  It is true that every good Carolina girl loves being out on the water.  Not only was the weather perfect and the scenery beautiful, but it gave all of us the opportunity to discuss our favorite moments of the trip and what we would miss most about the city.

When we reached the European fort, we all got out and explored.  Some of us climbed to the top of the fort, while others took pictures with the ancient fort and beautiful water in the background.  On the way back, the breeze picked up, but we still enjoyed being outside in an amazing city with the beautiful weather.

After grabbing a quick lunch, we had the afternoon free, so most of the group decided to explore the Grand Bazaar, a huge maze of vendors in a covered mall (for lack of a better word).  Although the Spice Bazaar was overwhelming, the Grand Bazaar was much larger and more intimidating.  There were vendors everywhere, selling their wares from Evil Eyes to pashminas to rugs.  The best part about the experience was the fun we had bargaining with the different salesmen.

The trick to bargaining is when the vendor tells you an exorbitant price, you counter with an unbelievably low offer, and after arguing for your price, you walk away slowly until they agree to your offer.  Although exhausting, actually getting to interact with the Turkish vendors was a really good time.

That night was what I had been waiting for the entire trip—going to see the Whirling Dervishes.  Although I was disappointed that we would be seeing them in a performance-style setting in Sirkeci train station instead of at a monastery, I was still eagerly awaiting the prayer ritual of the dervishes.  As they shrugged off their outer robes and began to spin to the enchanting music, I found myself mesmerized by their peaceful faces and entrancing dance.

Tired from a few days on the trip, we decided to have a low-key night, so some of us stayed in and rested, while others went to a hookah shop and socialized. 

Read the first entry: Flying to Istanbul

Read the second entry: Sultanhamet Mosques, the Hoppodrome, and spice bazaars

Read the third entry: chora, Cemberlitas bath, and gypsies

Read the fourth entry: The Haghia Sophia and a lost camera

posted by Stacy Dyer '96

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