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Turkestan Dervishes
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Turkestan Dervishes
Dancing dervishes of eastern Turkestan (now Turkmenistan) Date: 1874
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Media ID 14288519
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1874 Dervishes Islam Turkestan Turkmenistan
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1874, captures a moment in the rich cultural history of Eastern Turkestan, now modern-day Turkmenistan. The image depicts a group of Turkestan Dervishes, members of the Sufi Islamic religious order, engaging in their mesmerizing dance ritual. Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, has deep roots in Central Asia and has been an integral part of the region's spiritual and cultural landscape for centuries. The Dervishes, known for their devotion and ecstatic practices, sought to connect with the divine through music, dance, and meditation. The photograph offers a rare glimpse into this mystical tradition, with the figures dressed in flowing white robes and tall, pointed hats, their faces expressive and focused as they whirl and dance in a trance-like state. The intricate patterns on their robes and hats, as well as the ornate decorations in the background, speak to the artistic and craftsmanship traditions of the region. The exact location of this photograph is unknown, but it is believed to have been taken during the late 19th century when Eastern Turkestan was under Chinese rule. Despite the political instability and cultural changes of the time, the Sufi tradition continued to thrive, passing down its teachings and practices from generation to generation. This photograph is not only a beautiful work of art but also a valuable historical document, offering a window into the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Eastern Turkestan and the enduring power of Sufism in Central Asia.
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