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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."
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