Mevlevi Sema Ceremony

Experience the beauty of the Ottoman Mevlevi tradition through an evening of classical music and the sacred Sema Ceremony. Featuring live performances by master musicians alongside the iconic whirling dervishes, this immersive event offers a rare opportunity to encounter one of the Islamic world's most celebrated artistic and spiritual traditions. The Sema Ceremony is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its enduring cultural and spiritual significance worldwide. The Mevlevi order, founded by Mevlânâ Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, is renowned for its philosophy of love and spiritual union.

About the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Sema Ensemble

The Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Sema Ensemble performs traditional Turkish Sufi music with a special focus on the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony, staying true to its original form and spirit. Alongside its ceremonial performances, the ensemble also presents concert programs featuring classical vocal and instrumental works from the rich repertoire of Turkish music. The ensemble comprises 30 members: 15 whirling dervishes (semazens), 8 instrumentalists, 6 vocalists, and one postnişin who leads the ceremony. The group is led by its general artistic director, Dr. Musa Kazım Tığlıoğlu.

more about Yunus Emre Institute

Established in 2010, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London is the Republic of Türkiye’s official cultural institute, promoting Turkish language and culture worldwide through more than 90 centres abroad. The Institute delivers a structured programme of cultural events, exhibitions, and Turkish language courses, supporting cultural engagement between Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Through its educational and cultural activities, the Institute provides access to Türkiye’s artistic heritage and contemporary cultural production, serving a wide and diverse audience.

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The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts runs from 19 to 29 November 2026, bringing performances, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops to Cambridge's historic colleges, museums, and cultural spaces. Open to everyone, the festival celebrates the beauty and diversity of Islamic arts, and, fifty years on from the landmark 1976 World of Islam Festival, carries that spirit into our own time. Find out more at https://cfia.co.uk/

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