752nd Anniversary of Mevlana Şeb-i Arus: A Lesson of Love and Humanity Woven into the Cultural Fabric
Şeb-i Arus, which is woven into the historical fabric of Istanbul as a journey of wisdom that carries the universal messages of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi and lasts thousands of years, was celebrated this year with a program with wide participation. The event package, which started with concerts, panels, sema shows and interviews in various parts of the city, climaxed with a magnificent ceremony held at Fatih Ali Emiri Efendi Cultural Center. The opening speech of IMM Deputy President Nuri Aslan summarized Mevlana’s messages as “universal principles of humanity” and left a deep impression on the audience.
“Mevlana, a Guide Beyond Time and Space”
Emphasizing that Mevlana is not just a scholar, he is an architect of the heart, Aslan reminded him as a sage who guides on the axis of love, tolerance and humility. While saying, “He managed to reach all humanity with these values,” he highlighted Mevlana’s advice: “Be like a stream in generosity and helping. Be like the sun in compassion and mercy. Be like the night in covering up the faults of others. Be like the dead in anger and irritability. Be like the earth in humility and modesty. Be like the sea in tolerance. Either appear as you are, or be as you appear.”
“Sharing the Same Feelings While Thinking of Gazzé”
Aslan summarized Mevlana’s emphasis on universal brotherhood with the words: “Not those who speak the same language, but those who share the same feelings can get along.” He emphasized how valid the themes of rights, justice and solidarity are today, in the light of critical issues such as Gaza. Mevlana’s teachings, which strengthened his bond with words that instilled hope and patience in difficult times, showed the way to rebuild social solidarity. Aslan said, “We keep our body upright to our companions” in the face of difficulties and reinforced the emphasis on unity.
Current Interpretation of the Message “Come Whoever You Are”
Aslan summarized Mevlana’s cornerstones as follows: entrepreneurship and humility, inner peace and smile, embracing and healing together, knowing the boundaries and most importantly, meeting on common ground without separation in this age. This doctrine aims to produce practical solutions to current social problems and puts people at the center of social solidarity.
Vuslat Night: Sema, Sufi Music and the Language of Humanity
The program continued with the performance of “Şeb-i Arus – Acemaşiran Rite” by the Bab-ı Mevlevi Community. Hymns and Sufi Music recitals in the Hicaz maqam took the audience on a spiritual journey. Following the Naathan and Baş Taksim performances, Acemaşiran Mevlevi Ritual and Sema Ceremony were among the important moments that raised the spirit of the night. The recitation of the Holy Quran transformed the night into an atmosphere of worship and meditation and took the audience on an inner journey.
Historical and Cultural Context of the Event
While Şeb-i Arus celebrates Mevlana’s reunion and the legacy of his teachings, it also offers a platform to examine the reflections of this legacy today. While IMM’s program fulfills its mission of protecting and enriching the cultural diversity of the city, it continues its goal of strengthening social peace by building bridges of love. The event stands out as a concrete indicator of the cultural policies carried out through historical places in the city. It also attracts attention as a platform that reveals the interaction between music, literature and religious worship.
Participants and the Rich Content of the Event
Beyond the speeches, the program included versatile content such as presentations, panels, whirling dervishes and interviews. Subject experts and community leaders shared concrete examples that reconcile Mevlana’s teachings with daily life. The themes of volunteering and solidarity inspired young participants and created a platform to increase social participation.
Intersection of Artistic and Religious Interaction
Sufi music, hymns, grandmothers’ speeches and cultural narratives came together at the event. Thus, Mevlana’s message of universal brotherhood ceased to be just a religious celebration and became a voice for social peace and tolerance. Missions that would create habitus change, especially for young people, came to the fore and messages against current problems were clearly emphasized.
Call to Action for the Future Years
The event emphasized that Mevlana’s words should not only be commemorated, but also re-understood and applied. In this context, calls were made to protect cultural heritage, increase social inclusion, and intensify artistic-moral programs for young people in relation to urban policies. This vision, based on the power of acting together, stood out as a goal that should be reinforced to a similar extent in the coming years.
Instead of Conclusion: Current Message of Şeb-i Arus
Examining the applicability of Mevlana’s teachings to today’s world, the event successfully embedded the triangle of peace, love and tolerance into the city fabric. The leading role of IMM and the high level of social participation demonstrated the sustainability of such cultural-programmatic approaches. Moreover, a harmonious combination of demonstrations and prayers contributed to the strengthening of interreligious dialogue and intercultural communication. For this reason, the 752nd anniversary of Şeb-i Arus was engraved in memories as a milestone that enabled Mevlana’s universal messages to be adopted by new generations.
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