At the Culture Center in central Istanbul, a magnificent, fascinating 1-hour show of the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony will impress you deeply. You will witness the miracles of the whirling dancers and dervishes who take their name from Jalaluddin Rumi(1207-1273) the mystical poet and great Sufi master, called Mevlana by his disciplines. Dating back 800 years, Sema shows, mean actually ‘’to hear’’. Hearing the music, feeling it inside your heart, and reflecting your inner thoughts with the help of dancing is just a symbol. Sufis seek a close relationship with God, and for Mevlana, it was through charts, prayers, music a whirling dance.
The show itself assumes the idea that everything in the universe, from atoms to the solar system, to the blood that circulates in every living being’s body, revolves around the love of God. Our soul makes a spiritual and mystical journey to God with Sema, as it becomes wise and attains unity. After the journey, the human soul returns to its own life and to serve mankind again. As you see, it may look a bit like a performance, but it is still a religious ceremony. This mesmerizing performance starts with a classical Turkish music concert, followed by the Sema ceremony, including 7 parts. Watch curiously as the whirling dervishes and sheiks take their place and praise the Prophet, Mohammed.
Following the chant, a drum voice is heard and all 7 parts unfold, – the ceremony climaxes when the extraordinary whirling dervishes revolve to represent the birth of humanity. The Sema ends with a Fâtiha for the souls of all prophets, martyrs, and believers, and a prayer for the salvation of the country. Chosen as the best authentic local event in 2010 by the Federation of Tourist Guides in Turkey, this unique traditional ritual was proclaimed an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 2005, too. The best place to witness the Whirling Dervishes is of course in Konya, where The Mesnevi Tarikat was founded in the 13th century but also in Istanbul, you have the same opportunity in the fantastic Culture Center, ‘ Travel brings power and love back into your life’’ as Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi’ said.
**Incredible Tour of Istanbul** Our tour of Istanbul was absolutely amazing! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, providing us with fascinating insights into the city’s rich history, culture, and stunning architecture. We visited iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, each more impressive than the last. The pace of the tour was just right, allowing us enough time to explore and take in the beauty of each site. The transportation was smooth and comfortable, making it easy to get around the city. Istanbul is a city full of wonder, and this tour helped us experience its magic in the best possible way. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting this vibrant and historic city!
Each destination on the trip has its own distinctive charm. The local guides are both passionate and well-informed. The time allocated for each site is just right, allowing for a thorough experience. Transportation was well-organized and smooth throughout.