In Mevlevi culture, the ney is more than a musical instrument — it is a symbol of the human being. Rumi describes this in the opening lines of his Masnavi, one of the greatest works of Sufi literature:
"Listen to the ney, how it tells a tale — complaining of separation ever since they cut it from the reed bed."
The ney, having been cut from its origin, cries for reunion with its source. Likewise, the human soul, separated from its divine origin, longs to return. The melancholic, soulful sound of the ney echoes this yearning.
In the Sema ceremony, the ney is always heard first. Its sound prepares the hearts of both the dervishes and the audience, pulling them away from worldly concerns and guiding them towards a state of spiritual readiness. As the ceremony progresses, the ney continues to weave its melody, serving as a constant reminder of the soul's desire to reunite with the Divine.
By Mevlevi Guide
Cultural Heritage Team