Sama | |
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Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul, Turkey | |
Medium | Singing, playing instruments, dancing, recitation of poetry and prayers |
Originating culture | Sufi |
Mevlevi Sema Ceremony | |
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Country | Turkey |
Reference | 00100 |
Region | Europe and North America |
Inscription history | |
Inscription | 2008 (3rd session) |
List | Representative |
Sama (Turkish: Sema; Persian, Urdu and Persian: سَماع, romanized: samā‘un) is a Sufi ceremony performed as part of the meditation and prayer practice dhikr.[clarification needed] Sama means "listening", while dhikr means "remembrance".[1] These performances often include singing, playing instruments, dancing, recitation of poetry and prayers, wearing symbolic attire, and other rituals. Sama is a particularly popular form of worship in Sufism.
In 2005, UNESCO confirmed the "Mevlevi Sama Ceremony" of Turkey as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.[2]