Sufi dervishes have a mystical, almost esoteric existence in popular thought, which associates them with the whirling dance movement. One such performance comes to Mumbai, organised by the Turkish Council to commemorate Turkish National Day (October 27).

Called “hybrid contemporary dance” by Ziya Azazi, it reflects his background in trained dancing and years of practice. “I was born in Antakya, Turkey and studied engineering in Istanbul. I then discovered my interest in gymnastics and dancing,” he says over the phone from Delhi.