“People from all around the world are flocking to Konya”

Sufi mystic, Islamic scholar and poet Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi continues to influence and inspire his audience. People from all over the world flock to attend the annual celebrations held in his honor each year in Konya, known as the Mevlana Festival.

Known throughout the world as Rumi, while in Turkey, he is referred to as Mevlana. The 13th-century Persian poet is commemorated each year in Konya in the days leading up to the anniversary of his death, which was on Dec. 17, 1273, with festivities and daily Sema ceremonies.

Annually, his death is commemorated with the Şeb-i Arus ceremony, signifying the "Wedding Night" or the union of the soul with the divine. This ceremony has been expanded into a 10-day festival in Konya, where Rumi spent most of his life and where his mausoleum is located. Today, his mausoleum is known as the Mevlana Museum.

Separated by the impressive Aziziye Mosque, the Konya Mevlana Cultural Center is where the Sema ceremonies take place. These religious Whirling Dervish ceremonies, referred to as dikhr and performed in remembrance of God, hold a special place as they are included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Throughout the year, Sema ceremonies that you can witness as a member of the audience are held on Saturday evenings at the Konya Mevlana Cultural Center. However, during the Mevlana Festival, the sessions are increased to daily, and there are two sessions on weekends.

In addition, scholars and spiritual leaders often conduct seminars and talks on Rumi's teachings, philosophy and the relevance of Sufism in contemporary times.

People from all corners of the world gather to visit Rumi’s Mausoleum on the exact date of his death, which is celebrated on the evening of Dec. 17. It's a significant and cherished event for those who admire and respect the legacy of this great poet and mystic.