The City of Konya: Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes

Looking back at those who were conducting the Sema ceremony in those years, they were all various ex-dervishes from around the country who took the opportunity to meet up in Konya once a year and celebrate their culture and spirituality. As it was illegal for them to conduct this ceremony (or, in fact, any other Sufi ritual) anywhere else, it became the focus of their year.