• Sufi Dervish dancer Anas Al Kharrat, 3, gets help with donning his costume at his home in the Shahgur district of the old city of Syria's capital Damascus. AFP
    Sufi Dervish dancer Anas Al Kharrat, 3, gets help with donning his costume at his home in the Shahgur district of the old city of Syria's capital Damascus. AFP
  • In Syria, members of the Al Kharrat family are one of the largest Damascene families trying to preserve the Sufi whirling ritual often performed in public during Ramadan. AFP
    In Syria, members of the Al Kharrat family are one of the largest Damascene families trying to preserve the Sufi whirling ritual often performed in public during Ramadan. AFP
  • Sufi Dervish dancer Mahmoud Al Kharrat, 34, dances with other members of his family in a courtyard at their house in the Shahgur district of Damascus. AFP
    Sufi Dervish dancer Mahmoud Al Kharrat, 34, dances with other members of his family in a courtyard at their house in the Shahgur district of Damascus. AFP
  • The Sufi whirling ritual is particularly popular in Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey. AFP
    The Sufi whirling ritual is particularly popular in Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey. AFP
  • Anas Al Kharrat, 3, dances at his home. AFP
    Anas Al Kharrat, 3, dances at his home. AFP
  • Whirling sees performers twirl to the hypnotic rhythm of prayer until they reach a trance-like state. AFP
    Whirling sees performers twirl to the hypnotic rhythm of prayer until they reach a trance-like state. AFP
  • Members of the Al Kharrat family pose for a picture in costume at their home. AFP
    Members of the Al Kharrat family pose for a picture in costume at their home. AFP
  • A Sufi Dervish dancer of the Al Kharrat family performs a routine. AFP
    A Sufi Dervish dancer of the Al Kharrat family performs a routine. AFP
  • Members of the Al Kharrat family descend a staircase at their home. AFP
    Members of the Al Kharrat family descend a staircase at their home. AFP
  • Muayad Al Kharrat, 28, dances with his three-year-old son Anas at their home. AFP
    Muayad Al Kharrat, 28, dances with his three-year-old son Anas at their home. AFP
  • Mahmoud Al Kharrat, 34, dances in costume. AFP
    Mahmoud Al Kharrat, 34, dances in costume. AFP
  • Muayad Al Kharrat dances in a costume decorated with LEDs at a restaurant in the Shahgur district. AFP
    Muayad Al Kharrat dances in a costume decorated with LEDs at a restaurant in the Shahgur district. AFP
  • Costumes are an important part of the Sufi whirling ritual. AFP
    Costumes are an important part of the Sufi whirling ritual. AFP
  • Yasser, Anas, and Muayad Al Kharrat dance at a restaurant in the Shahgur district. AFP
    Yasser, Anas, and Muayad Al Kharrat dance at a restaurant in the Shahgur district. AFP

MENA

A family of Sufi Dervish dancers in Syria - in pictures

The Sufi whirling ritual sees performers twirl to the hypnotic rhythm of prayer

The National

May 11, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

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Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega

Director: Tim Burton

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