Editing Mevlevi Order (section)

=== Structure of the ceremony ===
''Naat-i Sharif'' – The ''naat'' marks the beginning of the ceremony in which a solo singer offers a eulogy to the Prophet Muhammad. It is concluded with a ''taksim'' (improvisation) on the reed flute (''ney''), which symbolises the Divine breath that gives life to everything.

''Devr-i Veled'' – The Sultan Veled walk involves the ''semazens'' walking slowly and rhythmically to the ''peshrev'' music. After slapping the ground forcefully (representing the Divine act of creation when God said 'Be!' according to the Quran), they make a circuit in single file around the hall three times, bowing first to the ''semazen'' in front of them, and then to the ''semazen'' behind them as they begin each circuit. The bow is said to represent the acknowledgement of the Divine breath which has been breathed into all of us and is a salutation from soul to soul. The dervishes then remove their black cloaks.

''The Four Salams'' – The Four ''Salams'' (''Selams'') form the main part of the ceremony and are distinct musical movements. According to Celalettin Celebi and Shaikh Kabir Helminski, "The first ''selam'' represents the human being's birth to Truth through knowledge, and through his awareness and submission to God. The second ''selam'' represents the rapture of the human being while witnessing the splendour of creation and the omnipotence of God. The third ''selam'' is the transformation of rapture into love, the sacrifice of mind to love. It is annihilation of the self within the Loved One. It is complete submission. It is unity.... The fourth ''selam'' is the ''semazen's'' coming to terms with his destiny. With the ''semazen's'' whole self, with all his mind and heart, he is a servant of God, of God's books and His prophets – of all Creation."

''Quranic recitation'' – The ceremony concludes with a recitation from the [[Quran]], which normally includes the following verse: ''God is in the East and West. And wherever you turn, there is the face of God.'' (Quran 2:115)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Helminski |first1=Kabir|last2=Celebi|first2=Celalettin |title=Embracing Both Worlds: The Whirling Dervishes in America: The Mevlevi Ensemble with Kani Karaca, Recorded Live at Harvard University & the University of Arizona |publisher=Threshold Productions}}</ref>