Hz. Haji Suleyman Hayati Dede
d. Jan. 19, 1986

The Mevlevi Order of America was born from the generosity and vision of Suleyman Hayati Dede and his wife Ferishte Hanum, Mother of Dervishes. The work continues with inspiration, under the guidance of his son, Postneshin Jelaleddin Loras.

Dede brought the great whirling dance to Europe and the West in the late 1960's and through the 1970's He taught the way of RUMI and the wisdom practice of the turn to students around the world.

Dede advised: "Become what you are." In the way of Prophet Mohammed, peace and blessings be upon him, in the way of Pir Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi and Shems-i-Tabriz, Dede was like the Sun, shining on all with love and warmth, empowering each of us to become our true essence, the unique destiny Allah has prepared for each of us. Dede is known as a true dervish and mystic. Sufism is the work of human development. We are blessed to continue this work under the guidance of Pir Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, Suleyman Hayati Dede, Ferishte Hanum and our Postneshin Jelaleddin Loras. The dervishes and Mevlevi Order of America are thankful for these profound realities in our lives.