Traditional Sema Performance Bridges Cultures in Italy

The whirling dervish performance held in Rome, Italy’s capital, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Embassy of Rome, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, and the Yunus Emre Institute, received great acclaim.

Before the program held at the Historic Colosseum Open-Air Park, Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay shared his views, stating that they performed the Sema Ayin-i Şerif ceremony, which is included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List, under the shadow of the Colosseum—one of the world’s most renowned cultural landmarks.

Mayor Altay emphasized that Konya and Rumi have many important messages to convey to the world from the past to the present. He stated, “Especially in today’s world, where peace, brotherhood, and tranquility are most needed, performing the Sema Ayin-i Şerif ceremony in Rome, one of the centers of civilization, right next to the Colosseum, is a great honor and privilege for us. It allows us to introduce Rumi’s philosophy, culture, and the values of our country.”

Turkey’s Ambassador to Rome, Elif Çomoğlu Ülgen, expressed her gratitude by saying, “I extend my thanks to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Mayor of Konya Metropolitan Municipality, and their performing artists who helped us realize this dream in such a short time. I also thank the audience who will witness this shared cultural heritage of thousands of years of humanity with us tonight.”

SEMA AYIN-I ŞERIF IN ROME IMPRESSED AUDIENCES

At a Sema Ayin-i Şerif ceremony held right next to the historic Colosseum in the heart of Europe, the universal message of Rumi resonated across the skies of Italy.

The outdoor program featured the Sema ceremony performed to the accompaniment of Sufi music, deeply moving the audience. Considered an important step in promoting Mevlana’s philosophy in Rome, the spiritual whirling of the dervishes was highly praised by spectators.

The program was attended by Turkey’s Ambassador to Rome, Elif Çomoğlu Ülgen, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı, as well as officials from the Italian government, figures from the arts and culture community, and many art enthusiasts.