Processual Form in Sufi Dhikr Ritual

Authors : Burçin Bahadır GÜNER

Pages : 110-123

Doi:10.33906/musicologist.1014113

View : 10 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2022-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :For four hundred years, the zikir ritual has been performed weekly in Kadirîhâne in Istanbul. Sufi rituals are believed to have been compiled by the founder insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(pîr); of the order. The ritual conductor insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(şeyh, postnişin); symbolizes the founder. The ritual form consists of chanting insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(dhikr); several divine names insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(esmâ);. While participants perform the divine names with drone-like melodic repetitions or guttural rhythmic ostinatos, musicians perform songs, recitations, and improvisations. Through rhythmic enunciation, body sway, and breath control, these chants are embodied as ostinatos while music varies the mood. The ostinato polyphony between the derviş and zakir, as well as the succession of the divine names symbolizes unity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(tevhid); in different ways. The manners and the formality of the ritual insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ethics); and their musical expressions insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(aesthetics); implies harmony that leads to communal and/or individual unity. This article examines the form and content of the ritual, and shows their relation to Sufi concepts.
Keywords : Sufism, Sufism, Qadiriyya, Ritual, Ayin, Dhikr, Chant, Ostinato