Traditions of Konya
The home of Rumi and the Mevlevi dervishes, where the annual Seb-i Arus draws visitors from across the world.
Konya is a city on the Anatolian plateau, the capital of the Seljuk Turks and the last home of the poet and mystic Jalal ad-Din Rumi, who died here in 1273. The Mevlana Museum, with its green-tiled dome, holds his tomb. The Mevlevi order he inspired became known as the whirling dervishes.
Seb-i Arus
Each December, Seb-i Arus, the wedding night, marks the anniversary of Rumi's death, understood as a union with the divine. Ceremonies of the sema are performed in a hall, with dancers in white skirts spinning with one hand raised to receive and the other lowered to give. The performance is on UNESCO's list.
At the table
Konya is famed for etli ekmek, a thin flatbread topped with minced lamb, and for fırın kebabı, slow-baked lamb. Sweet tahini pastries and bulgur dishes feature, and locals drink ayran, a salted yoghurt drink. Pilgrims often eat a meal in the lodge kitchens.
Signature traditions of Konya
Also part of it, and being written: Mevlevi Sema Ceremony (The whirling ceremony.), Rumi (The poet of Konya.), Etli ekmek (The Konya flatbread with meat.).
A trail idea for Konya
- Mevlana Museum Visit the tomb and the old dervish cells.
- Alaaddin Hill See the Seljuk mosque.
- Bedesten market Browse for copper and sweets.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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