The Mevlana Festival has kicked off in Turkey, in the province of Konya

More than one million people from all over the world attend this event honoring the Sufi mystic and poet in Mevlana, Jalaleddin Rumi. Rumi, also known as Mevlana, is commemorated every year in the days leading up to the day of his death (December 17, 1273).

The Mevlana Festival takes place from December 7 to 17 and is considered the best time to visit this historic city. It includes performances by Sufi members of the Mevlevi (Mawlawiyya) Order, known as "whirling dervishes", as well as the Sheb-i Arus ceremony, symbolizing the union of the soul with the divine.

The Mevlana Cultural Center in Konya, where the Sema ceremonies are held, is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The festival includes not only dervish dances, but also workshops, art performances, music, poetry readings and exhibitions. Tickets for the Sema ceremonies can be purchased online, with prices ranging from 100 to 200 Turkish Liras.

In addition to the festival, the Mevlana Museum and the Rumi Mausoleum are worth a visit. The museum houses a rich collection of manuscripts, artifacts and exhibits related to Sufism.