A family of Sufi Dervish dancers in Syria - in pictures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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