Rumi’s spiritual anniversary draws visitors to Mevlana museum in central Türkiye

Large numbers of visitors have been gathering at the Mevlana Museum in Konya as part of international events marking the 752nd anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, highlighting the enduring global interest in the 13th-century Sufi thinker.

The visits are taking place within the framework of the “Vuslat Anniversary International Commemoration” program, which is being held this year under the theme “Time for Serenity.”

A spiritual anniversary centered on reunion

The term Sebiarus, which may be unfamiliar to international audiences, refers to the night of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s death on Dec. 17. In the Mevlevi tradition, this date is not regarded as a moment of mourning but as a “wedding night,” symbolizing Rumi’s reunion with Allah.

For this reason, the anniversary is commemorated annually with ceremonies, prayers, and cultural events that attract visitors from across Türkiye and around the world.

Museum visits reflect strong public interest

Visitors arriving in Konya for the Sebiarus commemorations have been flocking to the Mevlana Museum, where they pay their respects at Rumi’s sarcophagus and offer prayers.

In addition to the tomb, the museum features extensive collections related to the Mevlevi order, including handwritten copies of the Quran, calligraphic works, oil lamps, and traditional musical instruments used in Mevlevi rituals.

First-time visitors describe a sense of calm

Among the visitors was Mustafa Balci, who traveled from Istanbul and described feeling deeply moved during his first visit to the museum.

He said he had come to Konya to enjoy the favorable weather and to visit Rumi’s tomb, adding that he felt a profound sense of peace upon entering. Balci described the experience as emotionally uplifting and said he would recommend that everyone visit the site at least once.

The remembrance ceremonies for Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi—widely known as a mystic poet and Islamic philosopher—are set to conclude on Dec. 17 with the Sebiarus night program.