September 26, 2003

Whirling Dervishes work to bridge gaps

By Corey Ann Seldon, Daily Texan Staff

Audience members to the second annual Whirling Dervishes performance Thursday evening were welcomed by a quote from Muslim poet Rumi.

"Come whoever you are, our door is the door of hope. Come, come," said the program announcer.

The dancers, known as Semazens and inspired by Rumi, traveled from Turkey to perform for nearly 1,000 audience members at Westlake High School. The event, sponsored by the Islamic Dialogue Student Association, works to bring Muslims and non-Muslims together.

A divide exists between Muslims and non-Muslims, which campus organizations work to lessen through education and discussion, said Zain Yoonas, president of the Muslim Students Association. The organization primarily provides services for Muslim students.

"There is a separation of people to a certain degree. Since Sept. 11, Muslims are on the defensive and feel as if they have to explain their very being," Yoonas said. "But the gap is absolutely being lessened by programs offered through MSA and IDSA."

The Islamic Dialogue Student Association, created in 2001, teaches tolerance toward all religions. Students are invited to attend biweekly meetings where topics such as women in Islam, Quran study and service to others are presented and then discussed.

The meetings are educational, said Nihat Polat, a foreign language graduate student and association member.

"We talk to people and try to learn about each other," Polat said.

Muhammed Cetin, president of the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue, opened Thursday's event by stressing the importance of communication.

"There's so many people of other faiths. Today we experience disorder and conflict and a clash of civilization," Cetin said. "It's time to come together, talk, find common ground and references. This is what civilization requires and demands today."

Shane Sillivent, a philosophy senior who attended the performance, said he's an avid reader of Rumi's poetry and supports the idea of communication between religions.

"There's definitely an aspect of education in the program," Sillivent said. "I hope for a deep aesthetic experience. I think we should keep the dialogue open."

Programs like the whirling dance help demonstrate the ideals of communication and tolerance, Yoonas said.

"The whirling dancers introduce people to a side of Islam that is not seen," Yoonas said, "and any attempt to educate others is valuable in lessening the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims."