Mevlana Motif This motif is inspired by Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th century mystic, poet and Sufi master who lived from 1207-1273. In the English-speaking world, he was simply known as Rumi. The religion of Sufism is a spiritual extension of Islam. After Rumi's death, his devoted followers founded the Mevlevi Order, better known throughout the world as the "Whirling Dervishes". They believed in performing their worship in the form of dance and music ceremony. In this magical ceremony called a 'Sema', the Dervishes wear a long flowing white skirt and spin around in prayer and meditation with one palm of the hand facing up to the God and the other turned down to the earth. The importance of Mevlana's words and writings are considered to transcend international and ethnic borders.      © Sultan Bath Inc., 2007. All rights reserved.