1 January 2010 / TODAY'S ZAMAN WITH WIRES, İSTANBUL
The governor of Konya announced that more than 40,000 people came to the city to watch the ceremonies and performances staged to commemorate the 736th anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Muslim theologian, jurist and saint.
“A total of 42,432 visitors watched the 16 semas [whirling dervish performances] held on Dec. 7-17 as part of the international Mevlana tribute ceremonies,” Konya Governor Nezih Doğan said in a press conference held in Konya to share information about the ceremonies with the media.
Konya Mayor Tahir Akyürek said the tributes to Mevlana are one of the greatest cultural activities held in Turkey and that Şeb-i Arus (The Night of Union) is the most important cultural activity in the world. The mayor dismissed criticism claiming the commemoration ceremonies have turned into a touristic activity from which people seek financial gain. “Frankly, speaking as the mayor, I do not see the ceremonies as a touristic activity, for that would be showing disrespect to Rumi. We are focused on preserving our culture and presenting it to humanity, which I think needs to know who Rumi was.”
