Whirling Dervishes (Sema) ceremony
Sema is the sacred whirling ceremony of the Mevlevi order, inspired by the poetry and teachings of Jalal ad‑Din Rumi (Mevlana). In Konya — the spiritual home of Rumi — the ritual is presented at the Mevlana Museum / Mevlana Cultural Center and at authorized cultural venues. The ceremony is both a spiritual act of devotion and a culturally rich performance: attendees observe a formal sequence of prayers, music and the iconic whirling of the dervishes (semazen). While accessible to visitors, the Sema should be treated with reverence rather than as simple entertainment.
Location
Mevlana Museum / Mevlana Cultural Center (official Sema venues in Konya), Konya, Turkey
Duration
Approximately 60–90 minutes for the ceremony itself (including prelude and closing); allow an extra 45–60 minutes if visiting Mevlana Museum before/after the Sema.
Best Time to Visit
Year‑round (regular scheduled performances). Highlights: Mevlana Urs (the anniversary of Rumi's passing), mid‑December (around 17 December) — large festival events and additional ceremonies. Always check the weekly schedule at local cultural centers as times/dates can change.
Pricing
Varies by venue and package. Museum entry and regular Sema performances may be: free to the public at some religious observances or require museum admission; paid cultural performances typically range roughly €10–€25 / 100–500 TRY (prices change — check current listings). Special festival events (Mevlana Urs in December) or guided tours can cost more.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
The Sema ritual — the whirling of semazen with symbolic garments (tall hats and white robes)
Live traditional ensemble: ney (reed flute), classical vocals and percussion
Visit Rumi's mausoleum and the Mevlana Museum collection of manuscripts, robes and instruments
Atmosphere of contemplative devotion — visually powerful and serene
Opportunity to learn about Mevlevi philosophy and Rumi’s poetry
Itinerary
Arrival, ticket collection and seating
Arrive early to collect tickets, pass through any museum entry, and choose a respectful seat. Popular performances fill up quickly.
Visit Mevlana Museum
See Rumi’s tomb, historical Mevlevi robes and manuscripts. This contextualizes the ritual you are about to watch.
Introductory announcement / short explanation
A brief introduction may be given (often in Turkish; some venues provide English notes or leaflets).
Opening prayer and recitation
The ceremony typically opens with Qur'anic recitation or poetry of Rumi and a brief invocation.
Taksim, hymns, and the whirling (Sema) in multiple salams
Musical improvisation (taksim) leads into structured musical pieces; semazen perform in ordered salams — watch silently and respectfully.
Final prayers and end of ceremony
Ceremony ends with a closing prayer; leave quietly following the cue from attendants.
Safety Requirements
Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered is recommended for both women and men (some venues may require a headscarf for women).
Maintain silence or speak softly — the Sema is a religious ritual.
No flash photography or video recording unless explicitly permitted; many ceremonies prohibit recordings.
Do not approach or touch the semazen or performers during the ritual.
People with severe motion sensitivity or epilepsy may find the whirling disorienting — consider your personal health needs.
Follow venue staff instructions for seating, entry and evacuation routes.
Tips
Buy tickets in advance for scheduled performances and festival events — limited seating is common.
Turn off phones or put them on silent; avoid recording unless permitted.
If you want context, take a short guided tour of Mevlana Museum first — it enhances appreciation of the ceremony.
Respect the ritual: applaud only at appropriate moments (follow local cue) and leave quietly.
Combine the visit with other Konya attractions (Alaeddin Hill, İnce Minare Museum, Selimiye Mosque) for a full day.
Ask staff about language support — some venues provide short English introductions or printed guides.
