Shems Friedlander is an artist and writer whose work delves into the depths of Sufism and Islamic culture. As an award-winning graphic designer and photographer, Friedlander captures visually compelling imagery, particularly through his portraits of Turkish dervishes that have become documentary classics. His writing, which focuses on figures like Mevlana, offers insight into spiritual traditions and their artistic expression. Friedlander's oeuvre uniquely bridges visual art and spiritual contemplation, providing readers and viewers with a distinct perspective.
Bringing to light previously unpublished material on the sacred music and dance, or "sema," of the Mevlevi Dervishes, extraordinary photography contributes to the explanation of the significance and symbolism of the dress and movement of the dance performed in the Hall of Celestial Sounds.