The 22nd International Konya Mystic Music Festival

The 22nd International Konya Mystic Music Festival, held under the auspices of the Culture Route Festivals initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is ongoing with rich programs that blend music, spiritual traditions, and interfaith dialogue.

A series of panel discussions and talks held at the Taş Bina Culture and Art Centre accompanied the musical events, bringing together scholars, artists, and listeners to explore themes of mysticism, music, and cultural heritage.

Festival Background & Highlights

The festival opened with a grand ceremony featuring 99 ney players and 99 whirling dervishes, creating a transcendent atmosphere at Mevlana Square. Konya Kültür Dignitaries including the Deputy Minister of Culture, the Governor of Konya, and leaders from the arts community attended. Throughout the two-week span there were concerts at Mevlana Culture Centre. In tandem, various cultural venues host exhibitions and salons, such as Two Cities Three Prophets at Taş Bina, Art, Calligraphy & Ebru at the Meydan Houses, and The Silk Mahyah of Anatolia at Depo No. 4. Scholars also contributed with discussions on the naat tradition in Turkish religious music, hosted at the Taş Bina Centre by the General Directorate of Fine Arts.

Cultural Significance & Future Directions

The Konya Mystic Music Festival aims to preserve the authenticity of mystical musical traditions without dilution by popular trends. It also seeks to bring together artists from diverse geographies, dialogue across spiritual traditions, and invite broader public engagement with heritage arts. The festival aims to bring local and international audiences together, strengthen Konya's reputation as a global centre for spiritual music and cultural exchange.