The musicians sit on a raised platform opposite the sheikh. The hafiz (one who has memorized the entire Qur'an) chants a prayer to Mevlana and a sura (chapter) from the Qur'an.
The sound of the kudum (kettle drums) then breaks the silence. The dervishes, now seated on their knees, listen to the piercing sound of a single ney, the reed flute which plays the peshrev, or musical prelude.
