About us

 

The ARTS OF THE DERVISHES  gallery was founded by Kersten Göpel.

Growing up in a family of art dealers, I became interested in Oriental culture, art, and literature at an early age. After studying Oriental studies, I opened a gallery selling antique kilims in Berlin. Later, as co-editor of a publishing house specializing in Oriental literature, I discovered the incredible richness of Oriental poetry and literature.

Numerous trips took me repeatedly to Turkey, the Middle East, Iran, India, Pakistan, and Central Asia. There, I developed a special interest and fascination for the history and craftsmanship of the many different dervish orders. Studying these orders and their history in the context of Ottoman culture remains my particular passion to this day.

The objects I acquired initially found a home in my own collection, until the idea of opening my own gallery arose as a result of my numerous contacts with collectors and dealers in the Middle East, Turkey, Europe, and South America.
My commitment is to sell only authentic works of art, i.e., objects that were actively used by dervishes in their community and culture and were not produced for sale to external markets. They are unique, non-reproducible pieces and, as such, each one is a special work of art in its own right.

I welcome offers to purchase individual pieces or entire collection

You can also contact me by phone or email if you are looking for a specific piece. I will be happy to try to find this object for you.

Berlin, October 2025

Kersten Göpel