What is the Sema Ceremony?
A 700-year-old spiritual ritual recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Origins
Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi (1207–1273) lived in Konya, in what is now Turkey. His son Sultan Veled formalized the Sema after his father's death. The ceremony has been performed continuously since the 13th century.
What you will see
The ceremony unfolds in seven parts. The dervishes, in tall sikke hats and white tennure robes, enter and bow to one another. Then, as the ney (reed flute) plays the opening lament, they begin to whirl — right hand turned upward to receive divine grace, left hand turned down to pass it to the earth.
Sema vs. tourist shows
Many venues in Istanbul stage commercial whirling dervish shows for tour groups. Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi is a genuine Mevlevi lodge. The performers are practicing semazens. The music is live and traditional. You will be asked to silence your phone and remain silent during the ceremony — this is a place of worship, not entertainment.