Rumi Remembrance Day

Rumi Remembrance Day is observed in Konya on the death anniversary of Sufi scholar Mevlana Jalaladdin Rumi, known in Turkish as Mevlana. He died on Dec. 17, 1273. In Turkish, the day is referred to as Şeb-i Arus, which means the “wedding night,” referring to Rumi’s reunion with Allah. In the fortnight preceding the date, Konya turns into a mystic wonderland with special rituals, such as whirling dervish ceremonies held for the occasion.