Mayor Altay Thanks Visitors Flocking to Konya During Seb-i Arus Week

Konya hosted the 751st Anniversary of Rumi's Passing International Commemoration Ceremonies in the most splendid way this year.

Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay stated that during this year’s Şeb-i Arus events, held from December 7 to 17, they once again brought together tens of thousands of Rumi admirers from around the world in the atmosphere of love, tolerance, and unity inspired by Rumi. He emphasized that Konya has once again become a symbol of brotherhood and peace on these special days.

Expressing their great joy in welcoming Rumi admirers to Konya, Mayor Altay said, “Konya once again embraced its guests with its spiritual atmosphere. The whirling dervish ceremonies and the essence of spiritual conversations spread an enchanting fragrance of love, captivating hearts. Through Tombfront Gatherings, Mesnevi Talks, Selsebil Concerts, panels, conferences, and exhibitions, we not only commemorated Rumi but also strived to share and disseminate his universal messages.”

Mayor Altay expressed his gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his significant contributions to preserving the Mevlevi Sema Ceremonies, which are listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and for promoting Rumi’s messages of peace to the world. He stated, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to our guests from across the country and the world who, feeling Rumi’s call to 'Come,' flocked to Seljuk dârülmülk Konya for the 751st Vuslat Ceremonies. I also thank all institutions involved in organizing these meaningful events, the esteemed scholars and artists who contributed to the programs, and especially to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Numan Kurtulmuş, and our Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, for honoring us with their presence at the Şeb-i Arus on the final day of the ceremonies. During these turbulent times for the world, as Konya, we will continue to spread Rumi’s messages of tolerance and love, advocating for peace and brotherhood.”