Turkey’s largest city is dotted with the tombs of religious figures, where pilgrims seek divine intervention. “When you ask for something from God, those who are beloved by God can be a go-between.”
Music and rhythm have always played a substantial role in Islamic mysticism. Sufis clap, drum, breathe or rock in time with the music. It is their way of trying to overcome their egos and thereby bring themselves closer to God. By Julia Ley
Amidst the skyscrapers, tourist attractions and the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, Istanbul's Sufi shrines offer a world of calm and contemplation. Marian Brehmer visited some of the tombs.