Konya hosts 752nd anniversary of revered Sufi mystic Mevlana Rumi
Türkiye's Konya city has launched an 11-day commemoration for the 752nd anniversary of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi's passing. The "Time for Serenity" program features the UNESCO-recognized Sema whirling ceremony, drawing international visitors. Officials highlighted Konya's role as a spiritual hub celebrating Rumi's legacy of love and unity.
The 752nd anniversary of the passing of the revered Islamic scholar, poet, and Sufi mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi has commenced in Türkiye's central city of Konya. The 11-day commemoration, themed "Time for Serenity," opened with the iconic Sema whirling ceremony, attracting visitors from across Türkiye and around the world, including the United States and Japan, to honor Rumi's enduring spiritual legacy.
The Significance of Seb-i Arus and the Sema Ritual
The opening ceremony, known as "Seb-i Arus" or "the night of union," was held at the Mevlana Culture Center. It centers on the Sema ritual, a devotional practice of the Mevlevi tradition symbolizing spiritual ascent and reunion with the Divine. UNESCO designated the Sema as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. The ritual follows a precise sequence, beginning with praise for Prophet Muhammad and culminating in the whirling of the semazens, representing the shedding of the ego.
Official Emphasis on Spiritual Heritage and Global Appeal
Speaking at the event, Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry Fine Arts Director General Omer Faruk Belviranli described Konya as "a blessed city of luminous scholars" rooted in Rumi's legacy. He stated the anniversary offers "a profound opportunity for love and spiritual connection" and highlighted the ministry's extensive program. Belviranli emphasized that the tradition shaped by scholars on these lands "continues to illuminate the present day," underscoring its cultural and spiritual significance for Türkiye.
Rumi's Enduring Global Legacy
Affectionately known as Mevlana (our master) in Türkiye, Rumi was born in 1207 in present-day Afghanistan. His mausoleum in Konya is a major pilgrimage site. His teachings on compassion and divine love transcend cultural and religious boundaries. His masterwork, the Masnavi, with over 50,000 verses, is a cornerstone of Sufi literature and has been translated into 26 languages. His other major work, the Divan-i Kabir, further cements his impact on world mysticism and poetry.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.