WESTERN OBSERVATIONS OF THE MEVLEVI SEMA: NINETEENTH CENTURY REPORTS ON THE GALATA MEVLEVIHANE IN THE CONTEXT OF ORIENTALIST DISCOURSE

Orientalism has profoundly shaped historical scholarship as a discipline that seeks to explore the East in all its dimensions, making both positive and negative contributions. On the one hand, it has contributed to a better understanding of Eastern culture, knowledge and traditions in the Western world. On the other hand, it has been criticized for reinforcing stereotypical judgements, exoticizing perspectives and colonial narratives. This study examines how the sema rituals of the Mevlevi performed in the Galata Mevlevihane in the 19th century Ottoman Empire were observed by Westerners and interpreted through an Orientalist perspective. Through a comparative analysis based on travelogues and secondary literature, the sharp contrast between the deep spiritual mission of the Mevlevi order and the superficial perceptions of Western observers is highlighted. This study will not only contribute to the existing literature on the Mevlevi traditions but will also examine how these traditions were portrayed by Western observers in the 19th century. In previous research, Western observations of Mevlevi rituals in the Galata Mevlevihane during this period have often been either exclusively positive or exclusively negative. However, this study attempts to present both positive and negative interpretations together to provide a multifaceted analysis of Western perspectives and provide a clearer understanding of the true spiritual essence of Mevlevi rituals