Rumi was not just a poet — he was a spiritual teacher whose messages of love, tolerance, and unity have crossed centuries, religions, and borders. He believed that all human beings, regardless of their faith, race, or background, come from the same divine source. According to Rumi, the differences between people are superficial, and within every person exists the same divine spark.
Rumi's teachings inspired a group of followers who eventually formed the Mevlevi Order, a Sufi brotherhood dedicated to living by his principles. The Mevlevi Order, or Mevlevis, embrace a life of inner discipline, self-awareness, and the pursuit of divine love.
The most famous practice of the Mevlevi Order is the Sema Ceremony, widely known in the West as the "Whirling Dervishes." However, Sema is much more than an elegant performance; it is a symbolic spiritual journey in which the dervishes seek closeness to God through movement, music, and meditation. As they whirl, they represent the rotation of the planets, the movement of the universe, and the soul's yearning to reunite with the Divine.
Mevlevi culture is deeply intertwined with music. Instruments like the ney (reed flute), kudüm (small drums), and rebab (string instrument) accompany the ceremony, providing a spiritual soundtrack that nourishes both the dervishes and the audience.
Today, the Mevlevi tradition is recognized not only as a religious path but as a universal message of peace and love. In fact, UNESCO has declared the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
In essence, Rumi is a bridge connecting humanity with the Divine, and the Mevlevi Order is the path that walks across that bridge.
By Mevlevi Guide
Cultural Heritage Team