After seven centuries the Dervishes continute to whirl Every year the city of Konya in Turkey organises the Whirling Dervishes Festival to commemorate the death of Jalal al-Din Rumi on the 17th of December. Rumi was one of the great spiritual figures of Sufism who inspired the iconic "Whirling Dervishes". Now thousands of visitors flock to the city to witness the displays, which are helping local tourism thrive.