The Dervishes’ “tekke” in Xanthi

Although the term “tekke” in the modern Greek language has a negative connotation, tekke in the Ottoman Empire functioned as gathering places for the so-called “dervishes” among others, i.e. the members of a Muslim ascetic order. In Xanthi the tekke, where the modern Mufti office (the Muslim religious authority) lies, was of the Mevlevi order and is dated in the 18th century. This particular order is associated with the famous whirling dervishes, who, accompanied by music such as the one transcribed in this image, whirl continuously in a form of prayer.

Creator: Unknown (1913)
Source: Aikaterini Laskaridi Foundation Library collection