751st Anniversary of Mevlana's Reunion Ceremony Begins

The 751st International Commemoration Ceremony of Rumi's Anniversary of Reunion has begun this year with the theme "Time for Affection."

As part of the daytime events, the Shrine of Shams Tabrizi was visited, with Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan in attendance. Following a recitation from the Quran and prayers, the "Time for Affection" walk was held, starting from the Konya Governor's Office and ending at Mevlana Square, accompanied by the attending protocol.

After the Nevebe ceremony, the "Gulbang Prayer" was recited at the tomb of Hz. Mevlana. In the evening part of the ceremonies, the first Sema program was performed at the Mevlana Cultural Center, organized by the Metropolitan Municipality.

Before the program, two exhibitions organized by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality were opened: "Music in Konya, the Capital During the Era of Mevlana" and "Wisdom Reflected in the Illustrations from the Mesnevi."

In his opening speech, Ömer Faruk Belviranlı, the Director General of Fine Arts at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, expressed the indescribable happiness and pride of carrying the sacred legacy of Hz. Mevlana.

Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay began his speech by stating that during these days, when the spiritual atmosphere is felt every year, all the streets of Konya become immersed in a harmonious sea of love, where tongues speak with affection and hearts beat with love.

Konya Governor İbrahim Akın also stated that they had gathered to heed the universal call of the Turkish-Islamic thinker Mevlana, and shared the following remarks:

"As Konya does every year, this year too, we are bringing the Sheb-i Arus events to life with a beautiful organization. Over the course of 10 days, with events continuing day and night, bridges will be built between hearts, transcending boundaries, just as Mevlana said, 'With love, pains become sweetness, and troubles find healing.' While passing on Mevlana's philosophy to future generations, we must not only preserve our cultural heritage but also ensure it lives on. Because within that heritage, there is hope, and in that heritage, there is the peace humanity needs. Through Sheb-i Arus, I wish for us to renew our love for God, for each other, and for all of creation."

The program continued with a Mesnevi lecture and a Quran recitation by Prof. Dr. Mahmut Erol Kılıç, followed by a Sufi music concert performed by artist Ahmet Özhan. Afterward, the "Mevlevi Ayini Şerifi" was performed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Konya Turkish Sufi Music Ensemble.

As part of the 751st Anniversary of Mevlana's Reunion International Commemoration Events, a series of activities will take place until December 17, including Sema sessions, Türbeönü Meetings, Selsebil Concerts, panels, conferences, and exhibitions.