The city of Konya in the south-central part of our mystery country is best known as the long-time home and resting place of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, scholar and Sufi mystic. He is commonly known simply as Rumi or Mevlana, which means “our guide.” The Mevlevi religious order was formed by Rumi’s son in the years following his death. The order follows the spiritual teachings of Rumi, which include the Sema ceremony. Entranced participants spin and rotate as a group to connect with the fundamental spinning nature of the universe. This is the ceremony popularly known as the dance of the Whirling Dervish. The Sema can be viewed by visitors in Konya and other cities around the country.
Rumi’s tomb, pictured above, has been a place of pilgrimage for 700 years.
Can you name that country?
See below for answers.
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