Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi Commemoration Ceremony ( Şeb-i Arus )

Name: Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi Commemoration Ceremony ( Şeb-i Arus )
Start: 2025-12-06
End: 2025-12-16
Location: Konya

A Whirling Journey to Divine Love

Experience the mesmerizing spectacle of whirling dervishes and the profound spirituality of Sufi mysticism at the Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi Commemoration Ceremony in Konya, Turkey. This 10-day festival, held annually from December 7 to 17, is known as "Şeb-i Arus" or "Wedding Night," celebrating the anniversary of the 13th-century great poet and mystic's union with the divine. Thousands of pilgrims and curious onlookers from around the world gather to witness the hypnotic Sema ceremony and immerse themselves in Rumi's timeless teachings of love, tolerance, and spiritual enlightenment.

Main Attractions

Sema Ceremony

At the heart of the commemoration is the captivating Sema ceremony. The Sema ceremony is an important ritual in Islamic mysticism (Sufism) established in the 13th century based on the teachings of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. "Sema" means "listening" in Arabic, representing the spiritual practice of listening to God's words and seeking unity with the divine. The Sema ceremony symbolizes the mystical journey of human spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection, manifested in a mesmerizing whirling ritual.

As the haunting notes of the ney (reed flute) fill the air, white-robed dervishes begin their trance-like spinning, their skirts billowing out to form perfect circles. The rhythmic turning, accompanied by the hypnotic chanting of Sufi music, creates an otherworldly atmosphere that transports spectators to a realm of spiritual ecstasy.

The ceremony, performed in the Mevlana Cultural Center, is a sensory feast. The soft glow of candlelight illuminates the dervishes' serene faces, while the scent of incense wafts through the air, heightening the mystical ambiance. As the whirling intensifies, one can almost feel the energy radiating from the dancers, their movements a physical manifestation of Rumi's poetry in motion.

Distinctive Costumes

The dervishes' attire is rich with symbolism. Dervishes are practitioners of Islamic mysticism (Sufism), meaning "poor ones" or "mendicant monks." They are ascetics who renounce worldly desires and seek unity with God. Their tall camel hair hats represent the tombstone of the ego, while their white skirts symbolize the shrouds of the ego. The black cloaks they dramatically shed at the beginning of the ceremony represent worldly attachments being cast aside. Witnessing the meticulous donning of these garments before the ceremony offers a glimpse into the profound spiritual preparation of the dervishes.

Sufi Music Concerts

Throughout the festival, soul-stirring Sufi music concerts fill Konya's air with mystical melodies. The haunting sounds of the ney, the resonant beats of the kudum (small double drum), and the ethereal chanting of Rumi's poetry create an immersive auditory experience. These concerts, held in various venues across the city, offer a chance to close one's eyes and let the music transport you to a state of spiritual contemplation.

Traditional Cuisine

The commemoration is also a feast for the palate, offering a chance to savor dishes that have nourished Sufi mystics for centuries. The aroma of etli ekmek, Konya's famous flatbread topped with minced meat, wafts through the streets. Don't miss the opportunity to taste fırın kebab, a slow-cooked lamb dish that melts in your mouth, or the sweet, syrupy gülab, a dessert said to have been one of Rumi's favorites. These flavors offer a tangible connection to the culinary traditions of Rumi's time.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Mevlana Commemoration Ceremony trace back to December 17, 1273, the night Rumi referred to his own death as the "Wedding Night" - the moment of his reunion with the Divine. The first formal commemoration was held in 1278, organized by Rumi's son, Sultan Veled. Over the centuries, it evolved from a small, private gathering into a grand, public celebration of Rumi's life and teachings.

For the people of Konya and Sufis worldwide, this ceremony holds immense significance. It's not merely a remembrance of Rumi's death, but a celebration of his spiritual legacy. The event embodies Rumi's teachings of universal love, tolerance, and the quest for divine union. It serves as a powerful reminder of Turkey's rich spiritual heritage and continues to draw people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity.

In 2005, UNESCO proclaimed the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural importance beyond Turkey's borders. This designation has further elevated the ceremony's status and attracted growing international interest.

Participant's Voice

"I had read some of Rumi's poetry and came out of curiosity. But when I left, I felt a deep sense of peace in my heart. The Sema ceremony was truly an indescribable experience. The dervishes spinning continuously, and the music that seeps into your ears - it was like being under hypnosis. I found myself holding my breath, unable to look away. After the ceremony, I had the chance to talk with a local woman who explained the meaning behind the dervishes' movements. Her passionate feelings for Rumi were almost contagious. In the end, I ended up having dinner with her family. While savoring the hot fırın kebab, we talked about all sorts of spiritual matters. Thanks to this festival, I was able to experience a side of Turkey I didn't know existed - one of deep spirituality and warmth of its people."

Fun Facts

The whirling dervishes can spin up to 2,000 times in a single ceremony, yet rarely experience dizziness due to their intense focus and training.
Rumi's tomb in Konya, now the Mevlana Museum, is visited by over 2 million people annually, making it one of Turkey's most popular tourist attractions.
The distinctive tall hats worn by the dervishes, called "sikke," are made from compressed camel hair and take nearly 3 months to craft by hand.
During the festival, some devotees attempt to read all 25,618 verses of Rumi's Masnavi, his masterpiece of Sufi spiritual poetry, often staying up all night to complete the task.
The ney, the reed flute central to Sufi music, is said to represent the human soul in Rumi's teachings, with its haunting sound symbolizing the soul's separation from the divine.

Festival Dates

The Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi Commemoration Ceremony, also known as Şeb-i Arus, is held annually from December 7 to 17. The main Sema ceremony always takes place on the evening of December 17, marking the anniversary of Rumi's death.