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Sufi music makes comeback in Iraq

Although Western influences have transformed the music scene in Iraq in recent decades, leading to a focus on fast beats and pop music, a number of Iraqis are trying to revive popular interest in traditional Sufi songs.
An Iraqi Dervish prays during a gathering outside their Tekiyah, a place of worship, in Baghdad, May 29, 2003. Swaying gently at first, chanting in monotones, the Dervishes slowly build up to a frenzy of prayers. Dervishes are Sufis, a spiritual offshoot of Islam, who believe their bodies open up to the energy of God when they are in prayer. Pictures of the month May 2003 NO RIGHTS CLEARANCES OR PERMISSIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS IMAGE REUTERS/Damir Sagolj PP05080023  JD/CRB - RTROHMO
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When reading or hearing about Sufi music, one immediately imagines a “spiritual session” during which mouwashshas (a form of classical Arabic poem) are sung, as Sufi music in Iraq is linked to the Kasnazani order — known for their performances involving “whirling dervishes” — in addition to the Qadiri order. During their evening performances and religious occasions, Sufis usually recite poems and beat drums to create rhythm. This is an old Sufi worship ritual that is still practiced today, especially on religious occasions.

The fame of Sufi music is not restricted to Iraq. It's a rather pristine form of art having religious links in all Middle Eastern countries. It extends to India, Pakistan and other countries, which organize annual festivals to sing Sufi poems. The content of some of these poems aims at introducing the audience to God. 

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