KONYA, Turkey

The 748th commemoration ceremony of Rumi was concluded Friday in Konya province of Turkey with dervishes, affiliated with the Mevlevi Order established by the followers of great Islamic scholar and philosopher, performing a mesmerizing whirling ritual. 

The commemoration had been ongoing since Dec. 7 as part of Seb-i Arus, events, or the Wedding Night, in reference to Rumi's passing he viewed as the day when he reunited with his beloved God.

Rumi's tomb in the Mevlana Museum was visited by scores of residents and foreign tourists who sought to learn about the man whose views continue to influence people of all cultures and religions around the world.

The final program late Friday was attended by various officials, including former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and incumbent Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy as well as scores of Rumi-lovers.

Ersoy said the world needed the spirit of solidarity and goodwill which was quite vivid in the works of Rumi, especially at a time when the international community was dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Turkey sent medical equipment and related items to assist countries in need shortly after the eruption of the virus outbreak with a Rumi quote that read: “There is hope after despair; there are many suns after darkness.”

The commemoration program ended with an enigmatic performance of world-renowned whirling dervishes, also known as Sema.

Following Rumi's death in 1273, his followers founded the Mevlevi Order, or the Order of the Whirling Dervishes, which is known globally for the Sufi dance ritual.

The Sema ritual, declared one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, starts with a song praising the Muslim Prophet Muhammad and is followed by the entrance of dervishes who later perform whirling dances with their arms across their chests in time with the music.

Today, Rumi's words of wisdom revolving around respect, intimacy, tolerance and love still guide and influence people of all colors, nationalities and religions.

His popularity has grown in the West and the East with millions quoting him on numerous issues.