Whirling Sufi Dervish Mosaic: A Colorful Poolside Tribute to Spiritual Dance
How a client’s trip to Turkey, his inspiration, fascination, curiosity and love for this mystical land, was brought to life with this exquisite mosaic art and craftsmanship.
A client returned from Turkey with an image he couldn’t forget: the spinning figures of the Sufi dervishes. He came to us with a snapshot and a clear idea—he wanted a mosaic that captured that moment. Working closely with him, we turned his vision into a custom mural for his poolside wall.
We focused on translating the fluidity and color of the dancers into a mosaic, using bold shades and expert craftsmanship to create a piece that reflects the energy of the performance. Keep scrolling to see the striking feature in his outdoor space yourself.
The Whirling Dervish Mosaic Inspiration
Our client, freshly returned from a memorable trip to Turkey, wanted to keep a piece of that experience close. The Whirling Dervishes—spiritual dancers deeply embedded in Sufi tradition—had made a lasting impression. The swirling movement, the robes flowing in every direction, and the atmosphere of spiritual euphoria were moments that the client wanted to preserve in their home. And so, they came to us with a simple request: to bring the dervishes to life in a mosaic mural by their pool.
Who Are the Whirling Dervishes Anyway?
The Turkish Whirling Dervishes, known as “Mevlevi Sufis,” are practitioners of a unique form of spiritual dance called the “Sema.” This dance has its roots in the teachings of the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, Rumi, and was later developed by his followers, particularly the Mevlevi Order. The Sema ceremony is a mesmerizing ritual symbolizing the journey of the soul towards spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine. The dancers, dressed in flowing white robes and tall hats, represent the celestial spheres and earth. As they whirl in a meditative trance-like state, their outstretched arms convey a connection between heaven and earth, while their spinning movements symbolize a detachment from worldly concerns.
From A Small Blurry Photo To Mosaic Art
The journey started with a photograph—slightly blurry, not entirely clear, but capturing the essence of the dervishes in mid-dance. Our design team got to work, turning this small image into a mosaic-ready artwork. We extended the design, blending abstract elements into the background, all while focusing on the dynamic motion of the dancers.
Color was key. The client envisioned bold, sharp colors—nothing muted, nothing subtle. This led us to use Murano glass tiles, known for their brilliant, solid colors and textured surfaces. The fiery reds, deep blues, and earthy oranges gave the mural an energetic presence, almost as if the dervishes were spinning within a vortex of light and color.
Collaboration and Refinement
MEC takes pride in working closely with clients throughout the process, and this project was no exception. We presented the client with four different color palettes, each offering a unique interpretation of the dervishes. Two of these really stood out, and after some thoughtful back-and-forth, we combined the best parts of both to create the final design.
Mosaic Craftsmanship & Techinques
Once the design and colors were finalized, our skilled craftsmen got to work, cutting each Murano glass tile by hand and arranging them with meticulous attention to detail. Thousands of tiles, in over 20 vibrant colors, were used to capture the movement and spirit of the dervishes. It’s this handcrafted care that makes every MEC mosaic a one-of-a-kind piece.
The Tile Choice – Murano Glass
Murano glass tiles were a natural choice for this project. With their solid colors, unique textures, and beveled edges, they brought the dervishes’ robes and the swirling abstract background to life. These tiles aren’t just visually stunning; they have a distinct feel, making each mosaic tessera (small tile piece) a work of art in itself.
Ready for Installation
When the mural was complete, we packed it in a custom wooden crate, lined with protective layers to ensure safe delivery to the client. Each of our mosaics is packed in a way that fits its specific dimensions, ensuring the artwork arrives intact and ready for installation.
A Stunning Poolside Mural
The final mosaic, installed on the client’s poolside wall, is nothing short of breathtaking. The vivid colors of the swirling dervishes contrast beautifully with the sleek black border, drawing the eye to the center of the artwork. The scene feels alive, full of energy and spiritual movement. It’s a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and artistic expression, all captured in a handcrafted mosaic.
Could Your Next Mosaic Start Here?
This project reminded us how inspiration can come from anywhere. If you’ve got an idea, no matter how out there it seems, we’re ready to help you bring it to life. Whether it’s a favorite memory, a beloved image, or even a color palette from your travels—MEC can transform it into a mosaic work of art. Let’s get started on your dream project today.