24 
CLAEKE’s TRAVELS. 
ped at the same instant, like the wheels of a machine, and, 
what is more extraordinary, all in one circle, with their faces 
invariably toward the centre, crossing their arms on their 
breasts, and grasping their shoulders as before, bowing together 
with the utmost regularity, at the same instant, almost to the 
ground. We regarded them with astonishment, not one of them 
being in the slightest degree out of breath, heated, or having 
his countenance at all changed. After this they began to walk, 
as* at first; each following the other within the railing, and 
passing the superior as before. As soon as their obeisance had 
been made, they began to turn again. This second exhibition 
lasted as long as the first, aud was similarly concluded. They 
then began to turn for the third time; and, as the dance length¬ 
ened, the music grew louder and more animating. Perspira¬ 
tion became evident on the features of the dervishes; the ex¬ 
tended garments of some among them began to droop; and little 
accidents occured, such as their striking against each other: 
they nevertheless persevered, until large drops of sweat falling 
from their bodies upon the floor, such a degree of friction was 
thereby occasioned, that the noise of their feet rubbing the floor 
was heard by the spectators. Upon this, the third and last 
signal was made for them to halt, and the dance ended. 
This extraordinary performance is considered miraculous by 
the Turks. By their law, every species of dancing is prohibit¬ 
ed ; and yet, in such veneration is this ceremony held, that an 
attempt to abolish it would excite insurrection among the 
people. 
There is still another instance of the most extraordinary 
superstition perhaps ever known in the history of mankind, 
full of the most shameless and impudent imposture : it is the 
exhibition of pretended miracles, wrought in consequence of the 
supposed power of faith, by a sect who are called the howling 
dervishes of Scutary. I have before alluded to their orgies, as 
similar to those practised, according to sacred scripture, by the 
priests of Baal; and they are probably a remnant of the most 
ancient heathen ceremonies of eastern nations. The Turks 
hold, this sect in greater veneration than they do even the 
dancing dervishes. 
We passed over to Scutary, from Pera, accompanied by a 
janissary, and arrived at the place where this exhibition is 
made. The Turks called it a mosque; but it more resembled 
a barn, and reminded us of the sort of booth fitted up with 
loose planks by mendicant conjurors at an English fair. This 
resemblance was further increased, by our finding at the en- 
