The BBC recently reported on the “Islamic Sufi prayer ceremony known as Zikr“.  It is pretty popular in the Caucasus. 

Years ago I remember seeing a brief news spot on Ramzan Kadyrov, the strongman ruler of Chechnya. He was doing what I now realize is the Zikr dance. At the time I was absolutely intrigued, and I still am.There is something fascinating about this. Must be the raver in me.

There is an entire Youtube channel devoted to Zikr.

And because it is the internet, there is a pisstake (this dance set to rave music, which highlights just how similar dance/trance and these spiritual practices are to each other).

More

A Whirling Sufi Revival With Unclear Implications  – NY Times, 2006

Chechnya: Kadyrov Uses ‘Folk Islam’ For Political Gain – Radio Free Europe, 2016

Kadyrov Turns to Zikrism to Legitimize His Rule – The Jamestome Foundation