The festival is a wholly uplifting experience, no matter your religion.
Anatolian holy man and Islamic scholar Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi passed away in 1273, in the Turkish city of Konya. Since then, his followers, the Melvlevi Order (better known as the Whirling Dervishes) have celebrated his teachings of tolerance and religious ecstasy achieved through dance by way of a festival. For 10 days in December, the whirling dance, Sema, is performed in traditional costume in homage to Rumi’s spirit. The hypnotic dance is incredible to behold and the energy is palpable. The festival is a wholly uplifting experience, no matter your religion.