t Istanbul's Sirkeci train station, which dates to the 19th century, whirling dervishes perform for travelers. "This is a must-see when you are in Istanbul," says photographer Palani Mohan. These dancers from the Galata Mevlevileri troupe belong to the Mevlevi order of the Sufis, who are themselves a mystic order of Islam.

Read more about Istanbul in "Magic Carpet Ride" in the March 2007 issue of National Geographic Traveler.