Mystical and hypnotizing, the Whirling Dervishes have captivated international audiences for centuries.   At 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, the Wayne State community will get glimpse of these unique performers from Konya, Turkey.

WSU's Rumi Club will host the Whirling Dervishes of Rumi and the Turkish Sufi Music Ensemble for a performance at the Community Arts Auditorium.

Fatih Celiker, Rumi Club faculty advisor, says the event is one-of-a-kind. "Many people - even in Turkey - haven't seen them," adds Celiker. "Their public performances are very rare."

The Dervishes' history can be traced to the 13th century. They are followers of the poet and Sufi mystic Rumi.  Sufism is a form of Islam. The traditional worship dance involves a constant twirling with one hand pointed upward, reaching for the divine, and the other hand pointed toward the ground.

A Rumi Club member said that the event is for anyone interested in building cross-cultural relationships. "The club promotes peace and friendship among the faiths and this event is an expression of that," she says.

Tickets are $15. For more information visit dervishesdetroit.eventbrite.com or email celiker@wayne.edu.