Beyond the poetry of Rumi: exploring the diverse artistic rituals of Sufism
While many recognize the 13th-century poet Rumi, the world of Sufi Islam extends far beyond his verses. From Morocco to Indonesia, this mystical Islamic tradition uses dance, music, and visual arts to seek spiritual communion and express deep devotional richness.
A recent symposium at the Smithsonian, titled 'Sufism at the Smithsonian: Searching for the Divine through the Arts,' sought to redefine and broaden the understanding of Sufism. Rather than focusing solely on literary figures, the program highlighted the tradition's vast geographic and artistic reach, spanning from North Africa to Southeast Asia. The event utilized various mediums—including dramatic poetry readings, soul-searching music, and contemporary dance—to illustrate how practitioners engage with the divine through physical and creative expression.
The program featured a diverse array of scholars and performers. For instance, Dr. Talat Halman of Bilkent University explored themes of love, faith, and ecstasy, while multimedia artist Mansoora Hassan presented a spiritual journey titled 'Fihi Ma Fihi.' The intersection of music and mysticism was central to the discussion, with performances involving vocalists like Sanam Marvi and Humayun Khan, accompanied by traditional instruments such as the tabla played by Salar Nader and the bulbul tarang played by Bashir Khan.
This exploration of Sufi practice is part of a larger scholarly effort, such as the work 'Beyond Rumi: Sufi Art and Practice' (2026), which examines the artistic dynamism and diverse rituals inherent in the faith. By looking at elements like the whirling dervishes and the use of Afghan and Indo-Persian mystical poetry, the symposium demonstrated that Sufism is not merely a collection of texts, but a living, breathing tapestry of global cultural practices that utilize the senses to achieve spiritual connection.
Source: SUFIism at the Smithsonian: Searching for the Divine through the Arts Day 1
