Eight centuries ago, the poet and mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi inspired a tradition of turning: a meditative dance called the Sema, in which the whirling dervish turns in remembrance of the Divine. In 2005, UNESCO recognized the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
This evening features Master Abdulkadir Dikici, a Sufi artist recognized by Turkey's Ministry of Culture with over three decades of experience performing the Mevlevi Sema across Turkey and around the world, accompanied by live Sufi music from the Raindrop Ensemble.
Program: a short film on Rumi's life, a ney improvisation, the call to prayer, five Sufi songs, the Sema ceremony, Qur'an recitation, a Q&A and a closing reception.
Doors open at 6:15 PM. Tickets are $30 to $40 on Eventbrite. Everyone is welcome.
Watch the previews on Instagram: Eight centuries of turning and Whirling in Divine Love.
Sponsor this evening. Sponsorships start at $500 and include recognition on this page and complimentary tickets. Contact info@raindropsanantonio.org.
