The Whirling Dervishes at Le
Chateau Lambousa
By Margaret Sheard
Video by Chris Elliott
It seems it is becoming a regular event to visit Le Chateau Lambousa to attend a function and the 16th July was another.
General Manager
We were kindly invited by the Cyprus Observer as guests to enjoy a performance at Le Chateau of the Mevlana (Whirling Dervishes) in celebration of Ramadan.
It was a lovely warm evening and we arrived to find a huge number of tables arranged on the terrace and the staff of the hotel, including some in medieval dress, ready to direct the guests to where they were to be seated. It really is such a beautiful setting.
There were many waiters and waitresses scurrying around starting to bring out food to await the sound of the cannon marking the end of 
fasting for that day, when we could then make a start on the delicious meal which was to be served.
During this time the musicians took their place on the raised terrace and treated the guests to traditional Turkish music. We were pleased to see the other occupants of our table were Heidi Trautmann and her husband and also Viola Edward and her husband, who we had met previously at Le Chateau on the occasion of the grand opening the month before.
Dusk was approaching and the cannon fired and everyone was soon enjoying the feast of food which kept appearing. 
A moment of appreciation to the young staff of GAU and Le Chateau Lambousa, they work very hard and very well.
The moment arrived for the entrance of the Whirling Dervishes and the 3 Dervishes and their leader took to the stage area to perform the traditional dance with all of its religious significance. I have seen the Whirling Dervishes on a few occasions and it never ceases to amaze me just how enthralling it is. A recent performance I attended was actually to recorded music, which was very nice, but on this occasion, with the musicians accompanying the Dervishes, it was so authentic and enjoyable to watch.
All too soon the performance ended and the guests were then able to mingle and have conversations, no doubt about the performance we had just seen and the wonderful setting we were in to enjoy the evening.
Thank you once again to Girne American University and Le Chateau Lambousa for a superb evening, a beautiful location, excellent food and a wonderful performance of the Whirling Dervishes.
