PLATE XLVL
A D E R V I S E.
T h ? Dervises, as was mentioned' in Plate XXIV, are divided
into thirty-two sects; and. there is;-not perhaps. o'nê' Oft fiiemï. eC
wbicb'the regulations or practices are more eurious than those of
the se^t.rg$? Me wlew^s, o f which Djelal-ud-dirin Mewlana was the
founder. This sect is particularly distinguished by the singularity
©f tbgir .Bande of danping, j whieh has nothing in common w ith the
ftbrtf These dervises also haye peeuliar pray#s-and practices.
When they perform their exercises..in pa'bhc, itdS: generally
in parties of nine,- eleven,' or^thieteen persons.' ’ They first form-a
eirdle, and sing the first chapter of the Koran. The Chief, or-Scheikj
then recites two prayers, whieh are immediately succeeded by the
dance ofjtfie dervises. They all leave their iplaces iajid: range themd:
selves on the left of the superior, and advance towards.him very
sl&wly.- When the first Bervise eomeSioppositetbe Soheik he makes
a salutation, aad, passing on, begins the damne. It con&ists?of turning
rapidly round upon the right foot with the arms- -widely Oxtended. >