The Istanbul Music and Sema (Whirling Ceremony) Group was founded by R. Hakan Talu Serhat Sarpel and Nadir Karnibuyukler in order to share two of the most important elements of Turkish Culture – its traditional music and spiritual ceremonies – with a wider audience. The concerts feature Turkish classical music Tasavvuf (mystical) music and Sema ceremonies (Whirling Dervish rituals) in engaging performances that closely adhere to historical tradition.
These rituals evoke the call for “human love” “brotherhood” and “tolerance” associated with the great mystic Mevlana Celalleddin-i Rumi who spoke to humanity 727 years ago with the invitation “Come! Whoever you are come!”
The musicians and semazens (whirling dervishes) who make up the group have combined these traditional forms of music and ceremony for many years in concerts in Turkey and many cities of the world.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
