The Mevlevi order held Sheb-i Arus ceremonies in Istanbul to mark the death anniversary of 13th-century Sufi mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi. Dressed in traditional robes, whirling dervishes performed meditative spinning rituals that symbolize spiritual union and surrender. The events underscore the enduring cultural and religious significance of Sufi traditions in Turkey.
Whirling Dervishes Mark Rumi’s Death Anniversary With Sheb-i Arus Ceremonies In Istanbul
Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at Kasimpasa Mevlevihane in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
ISTANBUL (AP) — Members of the Mevlevi order performed Sheb-i Arus ceremonies in Istanbul to commemorate the death anniversary of 13th-century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi, commonly known as Rumi.
The annual Sheb-i Arus, often called the “Night of Union,” honors Rumi’s spiritual teachings and his passage from earthly life into union with the divine. Dressed in flowing white robes and tall hats, the whirling dervishes carried out the meditative spinning ritual that symbolizes spiritual ascent, surrender and the search for divine love.
These ceremonies are both religious observance and cultural performance: the precise, symbolic movements of the Mevlevi dancers accompany music and recitations rooted in centuries-old Sufi practice. The events draw worshippers, students of Sufism and visitors interested in Turkey’s intangible cultural heritage.
This gallery — curated by AP photo editors — captures the quiet intensity and ritual beauty of the Sheb-i Arus ceremonies in Istanbul, highlighting the continuing cultural and spiritual significance of Rumi’s legacy in modern Turkey.
Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at Kasimpasa Mevlevihane in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2024, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at Kasimpasa Mevlevihane in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2024, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A whirling dervish of the Mevlevi order performs during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at Kasimpasa Mevlevihane in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at a municipality cultural center in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi.(AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at Kasimpasa Mevlevihane in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at a municipality cultural center in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi.(AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Mim Kemal Bulent Oke, head of dervish order dresses up before a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at a municipality cultural center in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi.(AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at Kasimpasa Mevlevihane in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at a municipality cultural center in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi.(AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A whirling dervish of the Mevlevi order plays with his daughter before before a Sheb-i Arus ceremony at a municipality cultural center in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, to commemorate the death of 13th century Islamic scholar, poet and Sufi mystic Jalaladdin Rumi.(AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
