| In 1273 A.D., following the death of the Persian poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi (also known as Mevlâna and Rumi), his son and followers established the Sufi order of Islam in Konya, where Mevlâna had spent most of his life and written his most important works. Those interested in Middle Eastern or Islamic culture can observe the world-famous mystical Semâ ceremony (better known as the whirling dervishes), which represents the evolution of man toward a state of perfection, achieved through love and humility, and his return from this spiritual journey. Each movement has a special significance, and is intended to give thanks to God and to spread God’s love to his followers.
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