A Program In Konya, “Matbah-ı Şerif: Living Mevlevi Lodge”

Konya Metropolitan Municipality and Konya Tourism Agency organized the “Living Mevlevi Lodge: Matbah-ı Şerif” program at Sırçalı Medrese. The program showcased the stages of Mevlevi discipline, also known as “insan-ı kamil” or the perfect human, which begins with a 1001-day journey in the Mevlevi kitchen. The 1001-day discipline and the 18 duties in the dergah (Sufi lodge) were explained with everyday life examples, while the section on table manners in Mevlevism, called “Somat,” attracted great interest from the participants.

During the presentation, the importance of rituals and symbols in Mevlevism was emphasized, including details such as the direction of the candidate’s shoes while sitting on the “saka post” and the position of the spoons in the “somat.” The commitment of the candidate serving in the “ayakçı” duty to always say “eyvallah” (amen) to everything was also highlighted. The program provided information about the significance of “sirkencübin” sherbet, one of Rumi’s favorite beverages, and the audience was treated to sherbet as well.

The “Matbah-ı Şerif” presented all the roles in the dergah with a narrative that reflects traces of the modern world. The program also included selections from Turkish Sufi music. The event concluded with the Sema Ayin-i Şerifi (Whirling Dervishes Ceremony).

This program, held for the first time, is planned to be organized weekly for both domestic and foreign guests.