Sama (Sufism)
| Sama | |
|---|---|
Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul, Turkey | |
| Medium | Singing, playing instruments, dancing, recitation of poetry and prayers |
| Originating culture | Sufi |
| Mevlevi Sema Ceremony | |
|---|---|
| Country | Turkey |
| Reference | 00100 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2008 (3rd session) |
| List | Representative |
Sama (Turkish: Sema; Persian: سَماع, romanized: samā) is a Sufi ceremony performed as part of the meditation and prayer practice dhikr. Sama means "listening", while dhikr means "remembrance". 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.