The only difference in the sheik's clothing is that his hat is encircled by a dark band. The ceremony starts with a communal recitation followed by a recital of the flute. Wailing of the flute expresses longing for the ultimate. Before beginning their dance the dervishes bow to the sheik and kiss his hand. Then they let fall their black cloaks to symbolize their escape from the tomb and readiness to dance for God, they begin to turn slowly.
Right arms are above the body palm facing upward whereas left hands face downward.
This symbolizes that what they get from God's grace and blessing, they pass on to the world. The dancers begin to move faster and faster. This place has been used as a museum since 1926. Inside the courtyard after the main portal, on both sides the cells of dervishes, kitchens and other buildings are located. The pool on the right is symbolically the Night of Union around which Sema dance performances took place each year on December 17.