Turkish cultural night out

We had a late night out taking in the Turkish "Whirling Dervish" and folk dance night at a local establishment.  The Whirling Dervishes are religious men (Suffi) and do not intend their whirling as entertainment but as a means of getting into a trance (i.e. dizzy) so as to be closer to God.  As it has become a popular attraction they put on displays.  Tonight we saw a truncated (15 minute) version of their normal full 45 minute whirl.

Whirling Dervishes

Non-whirling folk dancer

Whirling folk dancer - possibly the best whirler!

The belly dancer, with metallic wings!

The food was included, and we shared the venue with quite a large number of other tourists, many Japanese or Chinese.