Rumi Sema ceremony entry ticket (612886)

What you can expect

• Witness the spiritual Sema ritual performed by Mevlevi Ayinleri Toplugu at Irfan Civilisation Research Centre.

The "Mevlevi Ayinleri Toplugu", a community within the Irfan Civilisation Research Centre, is renowned for performing the Sema ritual. The term 'Sema' translates to hearing or sensing, and in Mevlevi literature, it represents a form of voluntary worship. This spiritual practice involves rhythmic spinning and turning from right to left around the heart, accompanied by music. The intention behind this symbolic dhikr of the Mevlevi is to achieve spiritual elevation and progress on the path towards divinity.

Historically, the Sema was performed during the era of Hazrat-i Mevlana as an expression of religious and mystical fervour, without adherence to any specific order. It is believed that Hazrat Pir, who transformed Sema into a formal act of worship, began this practice after meeting with Shams-i Tabrizi.

The semahane, located within the Irfan Civilisation Research Centre, captivates visitors with its neo-classical architectural features. Drawing inspiration from Mevlevi lodges across Turkey and various parts of the world, it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and global influence of this spiritual tradition.