Rhythms of the Divine: Whirling Dervishes and Sufi Music

Rhythms of the Divine: Whirling Dervishes and Sufi Music

A rare and deeply spiritual performance of the Sema Mukâbelesi, the whirling dervish ceremony, by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Sema Ensemble!  

Presented by Yunus Emre Institute 

📍 Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music 

📅 Tuesday, 8 July 2025 

🕖 Starts at 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM. Late entry not permitted after 7:15 PM.) 

Join us for a rare and unforgettable evening of spiritual artistry as the internationally acclaimed Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Sema Ensemble presents a ceremonial performance of the Sema Ceremony—the sacred ritual of the Whirling Dervishes. 

🌙 A Sacred Tradition, Brought to Life 

Rooted in the mystical philosophy of Mevlânâ Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, the Sema is not a performance but a living act of devotion and remembrance. Dervishes turn with solemn grace to the deep, meditative sounds of ney, kudüm, and voice, symbolising the soul’s journey toward unity and love. 

🎶 Evening Programme 

The night will open with a short concert of Turkish Sufi music, inviting the audience into the mystical soundscape of Anatolia through taksims, ilahis, and devotional works drawn from centuries of tradition. Performed in the meşk style—an oral transmission method central to Ottoman-Turkish classical music—this musical introduction sets a contemplative tone and gradually deepens the spiritual atmosphere. 

Seamlessly following this prelude, the Sema Ceremony will unfold—a sacred ritual in which dervishes whirl in meditative unity with the music. Every gesture, rhythm, and silence is imbued with meaning in this profound Mevlevi rite, performed with reverence, discipline, and spiritual intensity. 

🎼 About the 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.

This event is part of the Rhythms of the Divine series and offers a rare opportunity for London audiences to witness the Sema Mukâbelesi in its most authentic and elevated form. In an age where many sacred traditions are simplified or aestheticised for spectacle, this performance restores the Mevlevi ceremony to its original dignity—as a refined, disciplined, and deeply poetic act of remembrance.

We warmly invite you to join us for a night of contemplation, harmony, and transcendence.

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Additional Information:

• Please arrive by 6:15 PM to ensure timely seating. Late entry will not be permitted after 7:15 PM to avoid disruption.
• The event lasts approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
• The Royal College of Music is easily accessible by public transport; please check local routes and parking options.
• Dress code is smart casual. Please wear comfortable shoes as seating is unreserved.
• Photography and video recording during the performance are strictly prohibited to respect the sacred nature of the ceremony.
• Professional photography and videography will be carried out exclusively by authorized personnel appointed by the organizer. Please be advised that recording and photography will take place during the event for archival, marketing, and promotional purposes. By attending this event, you consent to the Yunus Emre Institute capturing and using images and footage for these purposes.
• For any inquiries, contact us at londra@yee.org.tr