A place that has hosted countless civilizations throughout the ages, Turkey’s Anatolian hinterland embodies a rich mosaic of religions, traditions, philosophies and cultural heritage elements to this day. Many of these timeless elements remain so important that they continue to dictate the travel choices of visitors from all over the world.
One of the most deeply influential experiences has to do with the enduring legacy of Mevlâna Celaleddin Rumî, who has influenced the world for centuries with his teachings. Every year, Şeb–i Arus – the night that marked the great Sufi scholar’s reunion with God – draws tens of thousands of visitors to Iconium, the spiritual center of Anatolia.
Whirling dervishes, accompanied by mystical music in an atmosphere of deep contemplation, make this annual celebration one of Turkey’s most fascinating cultural traditions.
The Rumi Icon Experience
The celebration of Rumi’s reunion with God, held from December 7-17 each year, is celebrating its 752nd anniversary this year, under the motto “Time for Peace.” The event offers visitors and guests the opportunity to experience firsthand the Mevlevi Sema Ceremonies – inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2008 and considered an expression of God’s love. During the ten-day program, Iconium, a city known for its centuries-old history, impressive Seljuk architecture and distinctive cuisine, is transformed into a vibrant cultural center inspired by Mevlana’s spiritual legacy. Conferences, poetry readings, Sema performances, exhibitions, theater performances and photography competitions bring the city to life, attracting visitors from all over Turkey and beyond.
The Sufi master, humanist and poet Mevlana Celaluddin Rumi – known for his invitation to the world with the words “Come, whoever you are” – is commemorated on the night of his death, known as Şeb-i Arus (Wedding Night). Describing it as “Wedding Night”, Rumi perceived this moment as a joyful reunion with the divine. For centuries, this night has not been celebrated with sadness, but rather with a festive spirit and spiritual contemplation.
The Eternal Wisdom of Mevlana
Born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan), Mevlana Jelaladdin Rumi grew up in a family of scholars who later settled in Iconium, the capital of the Seljuks. His life changed radically in 1244, when he met Shams of Tabriz. It was a friendship that profoundly shaped his spiritual journey – although it was tragically cut short by Shams’ mysterious disappearance.
Rumi’s teachings on love, devotion, and the spiritual path quickly gained fame, transcending the borders of the country. His monumental six-volume work entitled Masnavi, written in Persian in some 25,700 couplets, remains a cornerstone of spiritual literature. When Rumi died in 1273 in Iconium at the age of 66, he achieved the reunion he had long sought. Today, his timeless legacy of love continues to inspire and attract tens of thousands of visitors to Iconium from around the world each year.
Visiting Iconium: See, Touch, Taste
When visiting Iconium, a city with a rich history and long culture, these experiences are undoubtedly unforgettable.
See: The Mevlana Museum offers a glimpse into Rumi’s life, with manuscripts and artifacts related to his spiritual life. History buffs will also appreciate the Karatay Medrese (now the Iconium Ceramic Art Museum), the ancient Neolithic site of Catalhöyük – one of the world’s earliest settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and historic Silli, known for its early Christian architecture.
Touch: Nature lovers can explore Lake Tuz, Turkey’s second largest lake, where a variety of birds and its tranquil waters create a stunning natural landscape.
Taste: Iconium’s culinary heritage is equally fascinating. Etli ekmek is a thin, stone-baked bread with minced meat, onion, tomato and pepper, and tirit is a delicious dish of cooked meat on toasted bread served with yogurt flavored with garlic, onion and parsley.
