The Sound of Konya

Konya is renowned for two distinctive musical traditions: its folk songs, which encapsulate the essence of Turkish culture through their unique expressions, and Mevlevi music, a masterful representation of Anatolian Sufism.

The rhythms of the bağlama and spoons in Konya folk songs echo the galloping horses of our ancestors as they arrived in Anatolia. These extraordinary melodies instantly immerse listeners in a rich tapestry of experiences, bridging past and present.

Sufism, introduced to Anatolia by the Seljuks, spread across the region through the disciples of Hodja Ahmet Yesevi, taking root in institutions such as the Mevlevi, Bektashi, and Ahi Orders. Among these, the Mevlevi order, centered in Konya, has been particularly influential in the development and teaching of Sufi music. The ritual of sema, performed to the accompaniment of this music, embodies a profound symbolism: the whirling of the dervishes reflects the motion of the universe, while the music itself represents its cosmic sound.

Immersed in this deeply moving music, listeners are invited to embark on an inner journey, joining the dervishes on a path toward spiritual perfection.