ADanceIndependent states
Sema — the Mevlevi ceremony
The ritual of remembrance that Mevlevi dervishes perform by whirling to the ney and kudüm. On UNESCO's intangible heritage list since 2008.
Sema is the worship of the Mevlevis, followers of Rumi; it is not a dance but a ritual of remembrance of God. The semazens wear a tall felt hat, the sikke, and a white tennure robe.
The ceremony has four parts called selam. The semazen turns towards the heart, right palm raised to the sky and left palm turned to the earth — symbolising what is received from God being passed on to people. Ney, kudüm, tanbur and singers perform the Mevlevi ayin music.
"The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony" was inscribed on UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. In Konya sema ceremonies are held every December during the Şeb-i Arus days.
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Updated: October 2, 2026