Sama (Sufism)

Sama
MediumSinging, playing instruments, dancing, recitation of poetry and prayers
Originating cultureSufi
Mevlevi Sema Ceremony
CountryTurkey
Reference00100
RegionEurope and North America
Inscription history
Inscription2008 (3rd session)
ListRepresentative

Sama (Turkish: Sema; Persian, Urdu and Persian: سَماع, romanizedsamā‘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]

  1. ^ During, J., and R. Sellheim. "Sama" Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition. Ed. P. Bearman, T. Bianquis, C. E. Bosworth, E. Van Donzel and W. P. Heinrichs. Brill Online, 2010.
  2. ^ "The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony". UNESCO. Archived from the original on 14 Sep 2012.