Sama (Sufi Whirling Ceremony)
The spiritual concert of the Mevlevi Order, music and whirling as a form of prayer.
Sama ceremonies are performed throughout the year. The largest takes place in Konya on December 17, Seb-i Arus, the anniversary of Rumi's death, at the close of a commemoration that runs from about December 7 to 17.
When Is Sama (Sufi Whirling Ceremony)?
Sama ceremonies are performed throughout the year. The largest takes place in Konya on December 17, Seb-i Arus, the anniversary of Rumi's death, at the close of a commemoration that runs from about December 7 to 17.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Sama is the spiritual practice of the Mevlevi Sufi order. The whirling dervishes turn counterclockwise, one hand raised to receive divine grace and one lowered to transmit it to earth. UNESCO recognized it as an intangible cultural heritage.
How It Is Observed
Na'at (praise of the Prophet), then dervishes process and begin turning in white robes (symbolizing burial shrouds). They turn while ney flute and rebab play. The ceremony unfolds in four selams (musical movements), each with its own spiritual meaning.
Sacred Text
“I have lived on the lip of insanity, wanting to know reasons, knocking on a door. It opens. I have been knocking from the inside!”
, Rumi, quatrain from the Divan-e Shams (version by Coleman Barks) ↗