Rumi & Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
| Type: |
Activity |
| Operated: |
Everyday |
| Guided in: |
Turkish English |
| Meeting Point: |
Sirkeci District |
| Starting Time: |
19:00 |
| Duration: |
1 |
| Starting Location: |
Istanbul |
| Tour Code: |
TT4079 |
Highlights
Immerse yourself in the spiritual world of the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony, an integral part of Travel in Turkey. The Mevleviye, known for their mesmerizing whirling dances, perform Sema – an ancient ritual where dancers spin in harmony to a unique musical composition known as ayin. This music, dating back to the mid-sixteenth century, blends Persian and Turkish traditions, featuring vocal and instrumental pieces with contrasting rhythms. A typical ensemble includes at least one singer, a flute-player (neyzen), a kettledrummer, and a cymbal player.
The journey to becoming a whirling dervish involves 1,001 days of secluded training in a mevlevihane, a type of spiritual retreat, where they learn ethics, behavior codes, and religious practices, deeply rooted in prayer, music, poetry, and dance. Following their training, participants continue their regular lives, merging spiritual practices with everyday duties.
The actual Sema ceremony, conducted in a large, circular room within the mevlevihane, begins after several hours of fasting. The dancers, or whirlers, rotate on their left feet in rapid, rhythmic movements, driving their bodies with the right foot, with eyes open but unfocused to allow a trance-like state.
Despite the closure of mevlevihane due to secularization policies in 1925, the tradition persisted. In the 1950s, the Turkish government permitted the Whirling Dervishes to perform annually in Konya on December 17, marking the anniversary of Rumi's death. By 1974, the performances reached Western audiences, including a performance for Pope Paul VI in France and shows in the United States and Canada, under the direction of the late Mevlevi Shaikh Suleyman Hayati Dede. Despite initial restrictions, the government later allowed public performances, and since the 1990s, private groups have worked to revive the ceremony's original spiritual essence.
The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony was declared an Intangible World Heritage by UNESCO in October 2005, recognizing its significance in traditional performing arts and social practices. This ceremony is not just a cultural spectacle but a deeply spiritual experience, reflecting centuries of mystical tradition.
Tour Details
The Sema, a significant ritual in the Mevlevi tradition, comprises seven distinct parts:
The Beginning: The dervish symbolizes spiritual rebirth by removing his black cloak. In this state, he represents unity with God, with his arms crossed. While whirling, his right hand is raised upwards to receive divine grace, and his left hand faces downward, channeling this grace to the earth. This motion symbolizes the distribution of God’s blessings to humanity.
The Drum Voice: Symbolizing God's command "Be," this part signifies the divine order for creation.
Instrumental Improvisation: Played with a reed flute (ney), this section represents the divine breath that brings life to everything.
Dervishes' Greeting: This involves a circular walk, symbolizing the recognition of the soul within physical forms. Accompanied by music, it reflects the spiritual connection among beings.
The Whirling (Sema): Consisting of four salutes or 'Selams,' this part symbolizes various stages of human spiritual journey. The first salute represents the realization of God's existence. The second salute reflects the awe in front of God's creation. The third is the transformation of awe into love, leading to the unity of being. The fourth salute is the return to social responsibilities after reaching spiritual maturity.
Quranic Reading: The Sema concludes with a recitation from the Quran, emphasizing that God encompasses everything, regardless of direction.
Prayer: The final part is a prayer for all Prophets and believers, seeking peace for their souls.
This ceremony is not just a dance, but a profound spiritual journey, symbolizing the mystical path to divine unity, love, and eventual return to serving creation.
Please Note
Payment (No Down Payment!)
With Cash (TL, EUR, USD OR GBP) during the tour
By Credit Card during the tour
Available Cards: Visa, Master, American Express
Exclusions
Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
All personal expenses
Booking Terms and Conditions
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 30 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Cancellations will be accepted in writing up to 48 hours before the tour departure with no charge,but last minute cancelations or no shows will be charged in full.Alternatively for any other services or for tailor-made itineraries and quotations, without obligation, just complete the Request Form or email us: info@travelinturkey.com - now for a fast response
