Islamic mysticism or Sufism is a spiritual movement formed within Islam. Sufism is an esoteric experience, a way of life, a spiritual path towards the divine aiming to the discovery of the truth and the unification with God through love and devotions. It is an experience that is not expressed in words, but is experienced with particular mystical practices. In that sense, mysticism is an esoteric movement that can be found in many religions. 

The exhibition aims to present the world of Islamic spirituality, its history and basic concepts. Sufi teachings and practices are estimated by many Muslims and Sufi orders continue to exist. They are distinguished according to their origins, their historical path and geographical provenance. 

The exhibition has three sections: The first part is a presentation of works of art from the Islamic collections of the Benaki Museum that relate to Sufism. The second is dedicated to monuments located in different regions of Greece and constitute evidence of Sufi brotherhoods in the area. The third part is a visual journey, created by filmmaker Chronis Pechlivanides, through video presentations of ritual ceremonies from different locations. 

Curator: Mina Moraitou, head of the Museum of Islamic Art.
Texts: Aggeliki Ziaka (assistant professor at the Aristotle University of Thessalonica), Mina Moraitou, Gerasimos Makris (deputy professor at the department of social anthropology at the Panteion University), Chronis Pechlivanidis.