Şeb-i Arus ceremonies in Konya in December
Each December, Konya hosts thousands of visitors from around the world for the annual Şeb-i Arus events. Over nearly eleven days, a rich program unfolds for lovers of art and Sufism, featuring sema ceremonies, panels, workshops, and concerts. Most events take place at the Konya Mevlâna Cultural Center, opened in 1990, with the program culminating on the night of Şeb-i Arus itself. Throughout the week, the city is filled with an almost festive spiritual atmosphere. The Mevlânâ Museum also experiences its busiest period of the year during this time. As part of the Şeb-i Arus events, exhibitions, panel discussions, and poetry readings are organized, along with special programs such as the “walk of love and tolerance” leading to the Mevlânâ Museum. At the heart of the ceremonies are the sema rituals. Sema is a Sufi ritual of remembrance, performed to the accompaniment of Sufi musical instruments such as the ney and kudüm, in which sema performers whirl in a state of spiritual ecstasy. Recognized by UNESCO in 2008 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the sema ceremonies stand at the very center of the Şeb-i Arus program.
Visitors can closely experience the Sufi way of life and philosophy through talks, conferences, and exhibitions that begin early in the day. Throughout the week, a sema chanting is performed every evening in the main hall of the Konya Mevlâna Cultural Center. As the sema performers whirl in full 360-degree turns, the visual spectacle of their flowing skirts, accompanied by the resonant chant of “Hu,” fills the hall with an indescribable sense of peace and unity. Those wishing to attend the ceremonies are advised to secure their tickets in advance, as the programs draw significant interest. Hotels and flights to Konya are also in high demand during this period, making early travel planning especially recommended.
How to get to Şeb-i Arus?
For Şeb-i Arus, you can fly to Konya from Istanbul and many other cities in about one hour. Flights operate to Konya Airport, located approximately 16 to 18 kilometers from the city center. Getting into town from the airport is easy; HAVAŞ shuttle buses reach the city center in about 30 minutes, and taxis are available around the clock. Car rental services are also available at Konya Airport. To set out on this spiritual journey, visit the Konya flights ticket page and secure your seat early with the privileges of Turkish Airlines.
If you would like to explore Konya’s cultural and tourist attractions in more detail, you can use the guides on our blog. From museums to natural attractions, you can discover every corner of the city in our article on places to visit in Konya. If your time is limited and you want to experience the city efficiently, our 1 City 3 Days: Konya route offers an easy-to-follow plan. During your Konya journey, you will witness one of the world’s oldest philosophies of tolerance and love and fully immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Şeb-i Arus.
