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Teke Collection

"Exploring the Rich Cultural Tapestry of Teke: From Africa to Romania, Syria to Greece" Journey into the heart of Africa's Congo region

Background imageTeke Collection: Famille Bateke; L'Ouest Africain, 1914. Creator: Unknown

Famille Bateke; L'Ouest Africain, 1914. Creator: Unknown
Famille Bateke; L'Ouest Africain, 1914. From "Grande Geographie Bong Illustree", 1914

Background imageTeke Collection: Africa. Congo. Man of the Bateke tribe (High Alima)

Africa. Congo. Man of the Bateke tribe (High Alima)
History of Africa. 19th century. Man from the Bateke tribe (upper course of the Alima River). Engraving. El Congo y la Creacion del Estado Independiente de este nombre

Background imageTeke Collection: Romania: Teke, Turkish mausoleum (b / w photo)

Romania: Teke, Turkish mausoleum (b / w photo)
6017430 Romania: Teke, Turkish mausoleum (b/w photo) by Hielscher, Kurt (1881-1948); Private Collection; (add.info.: Teke, Turkish mausoleum)

Background imageTeke Collection: Final scene of a Dervish dance, Rifai order

Final scene of a Dervish dance, Rifai order. Penitents in ecstasy grasp red-hot scimitars and have their wounds treated by the sheikh. Followers of Shaikh Ahmed er-Rifai

Background imageTeke Collection: Dance of the whirling Dervishes

Dance of the whirling Dervishes of Mawlawi Tawagozi. Sufi Dervishes in tall hats dance in a circle to accompaniment by musicians on drums, psaltery and sistrum. Ballo dei Dervisch Mewlewi

Background imageTeke Collection: Nkisi Spiritual Figure (wood, clay, textile & feathers) (see also 181654)

Nkisi Spiritual Figure (wood, clay, textile & feathers) (see also 181654)
HSC181653 Nkisi Spiritual Figure (wood, clay, textile & feathers) (see also 181654) by Congolese; height:38 cm; Private Collection; Photo eHeini Schneebeli; African, out of copyright

Background imageTeke Collection: Nkisi Spiritual Figure (wood, clay, textile & feathers) (see also 181653)

Nkisi Spiritual Figure (wood, clay, textile & feathers) (see also 181653)
HSC181654 Nkisi Spiritual Figure (wood, clay, textile & feathers) (see also 181653) by Congolese; height:38 cm; Private Collection; Photo eHeini Schneebeli; African, out of copyright

Background imageTeke Collection: Thessaloniki, Greece - Kapou Turkish Cemetery

Thessaloniki, Greece - Kapou Turkish Cemetery
Thessaloniki, Greece - Turkish cemetery outside Yeni-Kapou next to the Mevlevidon (Mevlevi Dervish) teke. Date: circa 1910

Background imageTeke Collection: Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece
A Kiss from Thessaloniki - inset view with the White Tower (left) and the minaret of the Dervish Tekke (Meeting House) (right). Date: circa 1910s

Background imageTeke Collection: Romanian village

Romanian village
View of old Romanian village, Teaca, also known as Teke, from a wildflower meadow in Romania



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"Exploring the Rich Cultural Tapestry of Teke: From Africa to Romania, Syria to Greece" Journey into the heart of Africa's Congo region, where we meet a distinguished man from the Bateke tribe - proud and steeped in tradition. Transporting ourselves to Romania, we discover the enchanting Teke, a Turkish mausoleum that stands as a timeless symbol of history and reverence. Witness the captivating final scene of a Dervish dance performed by members of the Rifai order - an awe-inspiring display of spiritual devotion. Paying homage at the Tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari within Istanbul's Eyup Sultan Mosque, where pilgrims seek solace and blessings in this sacred space. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Dance of Whirling Dervishes - an ancient ritual that transcends time and connects souls through graceful movements. Marvel at the Nkisi Spiritual Figure crafted with wood, clay, textiles & feathers; it embodies ancestral wisdom and serves as a conduit between realms (see also 181654). Delve deeper into African spirituality with another Nkisi Spiritual Figure - its intricate details tell stories passed down through generations (see also 181653). Roaming through Thessaloniki's streets in Greece unveils hidden treasures like Kapou Turkish Cemetery; echoes from history whisper tales untold. Step foot into Mevlevidon Cemetery nestled in Thessaloniki – home to Mevlevi Dervishes who found solace here amidst their spiritual journey. Discover unexpected connections as diverse cultures converge within Thessaloniki’s vibrant tapestry –a melting pot where traditions intertwine seamlessly. Embark on this cultural odyssey across continents as we unravel fascinating narratives woven together by Teke – connecting people across borders and celebrating our shared humanity.