As sufists, they were known as source of wisdom, medicine, poetry, enlightment, and witticisms. For example, Mollah Nasr-ad-Din (Mulla Nasrudin, Hoja Nasrudin) had become a legend among Muslims (and not only Muslims).
Some of dervishes are noted for practice of bodily movements to induce a trance state; often this involves fast spinning in place, thus leading to the colloquialism "whirling dervish." Today whirling dervishes have become a tourist attration.