NEW YEAR’S EVE 1 DAY 1 NIGHT SEMA GATHERING – YENİCE VADİ – MUĞLA / MENTEŞE

NEW YEAR’S EVE 1 DAY 1 NIGHT SEMA GUIDE

31 December 2024 – 1 January 2025

YENICE VADİ / MENTEŞE – MUĞLA

“Sema is the food of lovers. Because in the sema, there is the dream of meeting Allah. It is a journey towards the Beloved.” Hz. Mevlânâ

“Sema is a step and a dance of prayer on the path to universal love. One performs the sema with others without losing the sense of unity. Sema also symbolizes the divine love for Allah. Through this love, a person learns to love others.”  R. Oruç Güvenç

 

Dear friends,

As we enter the new year, we invite all our beloved ones to join us for a Sema gathering at Yenice Vadi on December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025, to live the spirit of Sema with the light of divine love. This is an opportunity to open the springs of hope as we transition to new formations, observe the movements of our spiritual and physical beings in harmony with nature’s rhythm, and prepare for the general alignment towards maturity. We aim to receive the spiritual grace of the Almighty and become enriched by it.

Our Sema event is supported by the TÜMATA (Turkish Music Research and Promotion) Group, Buluşum (Research, Preservation, and Promotion of Higher Values) Association and MaAile organization, in collaboration with Yenice Vadi.

Please be sure to read the entire text before completing the “Sema Participation Form” at the end.

• During these Sema gatherings, efforts will be made to ensure that the Sema never stops and that the music and the zikr (remembrance of God) never cease. For this purpose, the semazens (whirling dervishes) and musicians will take turns in their duties.
• Our gathering is open to everyone who sincerely and respectfully wishes to experience Sema.

Our gathering takes its origin from Islam and draws its inspiration from Hz. Mevlânâ.

• These practices serve as both an introduction for those who are unfamiliar with Sema and as an opportunity for those who are familiar with it to experience this spiritual bliss.

“Sema is a form of prayer that is performed through a turning movement. It has been practiced in various forms for centuries by different folk groups. This rhythmic spinning movement helps a person reach different levels of consciousness and provides an opportunity to connect with their inner spiritual source.” Rahmi Oruç Güvenç

In Islamic Sufism, the philosophy of Sema has a profound depth, and there are explanations for this path. It is not just a turning, but a direction towards the heart.

“Allah Almighty said, ‘I cannot be contained by the worlds, but I can be contained in the heart of my believing servant.’ The heart, which can reflect that manifestation, is why the turning is directed towards the heart. Furthermore, in Sema, the external and internal, all directions, merge.” Rahmi Oruç Güvenç

In the book Menakıb-il Arifin (The Stories of the Gnostics), which was started by the Sipehsalar during the lifetime of Hz. Mevlânâ and later completed by Ahmet Eflaki, it is mentioned that Hz. Mevlânâ would sometimes do Sema for three days and nights, sometimes for seven days and nights, sometimes for sixteen days and nights, and on three occasions, for forty days and nights. While repeating his mystical poetry in ecstasy, he would whirl without eating, drinking, or sleeping.

Our esteemed teacher, Dr. Rahmi Oruç Güvenç, a sufi, music therapist, and spiritual guide, has carried forward the tradition of continuous Sema, both day and night, from the time of Hz. Mevlânâ to our present day.

The uniqueness of the Sema gatherings organized by Oruç Hoca lies in their focus on understanding the tradition of Hz. Mevlânâ’s time and awakening the spirit of Sema, as well as providing an opportunity to experience it. Therefore, this is a retreat of inner journeying that attracts participants from many countries around the world.

These gatherings apply the principles of the Ancient Turkish Music and Movement Therapy Tradition, which has been practiced since Central Asia.

On this occasion, with participants from 89 different countries, Tümata has organized Sema gatherings lasting 3, 5, 7, 9, 16, 40, 66, 99, and 114 days and nights as part of its activities.

This gathering is dedicated to the memories of our dear masters, esteemed Rahmi Oruç Güvenç, Yaşar Güvenç and Mehmet Rasim Mutlu, to their spiritual lineage, and to all their connections with the unseen realm.

At the same time, through Sema, we wish for peace and harmony, both within ourselves, our families, and the world.

WELCOME

After many years of Sema experience, we have realized that in a gathering with so many people from different countries and cultures, certain guidelines are needed. We observed that this is important for preserving the atmosphere and harmony.

In various nations and cultures, clothing, behavior, and hygiene standards may differ. This event is based on Islam and inspired by Hz. Mevlânâ. Therefore, it is important for participants to show respect and alignment with the values of this tradition and culture.

• We kindly ask you to read the entire text before joining the gathering.
• Those attending the gathering will be considered to have read and accepted all the terms outlined in the text.

SEMA GATHERINGS AND TÜMATA

Who Are We?

Our esteemed teacher, Dr. Rahmi Oruç Güvenç, founded Tümata (Turkish Music Research and Promotion) in 1976 to revive the ancient healing culture of the Central Asian Turkic peoples and bring traditional healing knowledge back to the people.

 

Dr. Rahmi Oruç Güvenç served as the Coordinator of Mind and Body Integrity at the Turkish Ministry of Health. As a music therapist, ethnomusicologist, psychologist, scientist, and sufi, his work focused on the integration of modern regenerative medicine with the ancient Central Asian & Turkish Music and Movement Therapy.

As the family and students of Dr. Rahmi Oruç Güvenç, along with our Tümata Group, we are committed to continuing his practices on humanity’s higher and spiritual values and passing them on to future generations.

For more detailed information about Dr. Rahmi Oruç Güvenç and Tümata, please visit our website: http://www.tumata.com

Sema Gatherings Organized by Dr. Rahmi Oruç Güvenç and Tümata:

The great sufi Rahmi Oruç Güvenç organized “Non-Stop Sema” gatherings lasting 3, 5, 7, 9, 16, 40, 66, 99, and 114 days in various countries around the world. On the 66th day of the Sema gathering that lasted for 114 days and nights, on July 5, 2017, he passed away.

First Sema Gatherings Held:

In 1998, during a seminar in Switzerland, an inspiration arose while discussing the topic of Sema, leading to the idea of organizing a Sema event similar to those held during the time of Hz. Mevlânâ.

As a result, a 3-day, 3-night Sema was held in Switzerland. During this gathering, the Sema continued non-stop for 3 days and nights, with semazens (whirling dervishes) rotating in shifts. The music never stopped, and the musicians changed in turns.

The 3-day, 3-night Sema held in Switzerland, which left all participants extraordinarily satisfied, marked the beginning of similar events. Following this first long Sema, numerous Sema gatherings have been organized in Switzerland, Turkey, Germany, Austria, and Spain. The durations and numbers of these Semas held in these five countries up until today are listed below:

• 36 times: 3 days and 3 nights
• 8 times: 5 days and 5 nights
• 7 times: 7 days and 7 nights
• 1 time: 9 days and 9 nights
• 1 time: 16 days and 16 nights
• 3 times: 40 days and 40 nights
• 1 time: 66 days and 66 nights
• 1 time: 99 days and 99 nights
• 1 time: 114 days and 114 nights

About MAAİLE and YENİCE VADİ

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to MaAile and Yenice Vadi for opening the doors of this beautiful space for our Sema gatherings.

Sema Gathering at Yenice Vadi

Our Sema gathering will take place in a transformed hall as part of the opening event of Yenice Vadi, which has recently started its “New Generation Living Area” transformation in collaboration with MaAile. The hall will be used for Sema, and the adjacent arcade area will serve as a meeting space for the dining hall and various activities.

 

Yenice Vadi offers shared rooms for accommodation as well as the opportunity to set up your own tent, with facilities including showers, toilets, and a kitchen. You can find more details about this in the accommodation section of the text.

Important Guidelines for the Venue:

– Let us pay attention to maintaining tranquility, especially in the Sema area and all other spaces.

– Since the location is in a natural environment, we must be particularly careful not to leave trash or cigarette butts and avoid lighting fires.

– Please use water sparingly.

– Please consume food only in designated areas and return any used dishes, glasses, etc., to the kitchen.

– Smoking is only allowed in designated areas; please refrain from smoking in other parts of the venue and never throw cigarette butts on the ground.

– Any waste disposed of in the toilets damages the drainage system. Please do not dispose of anything in the toilets and use the shared spaces responsibly.

– For hygiene reasons, the swimming pool at Yenice Vadi will be closed during the Sema.

– Mobile phone reception may be unavailable in certain areas at Yenice Vadi, but Wi-Fi is available.

– It is advisable to take precautions against mosquitoes.

– We kindly ask that you leave your pets at home for this gathering.

– Parking is reserved for service vehicles. You may park your car in a suitable spot on the roadside without going down the steep slope.

– Security personnel will frequently check the area and surroundings.

REGISTRATION

Information requested by the police:

For gatherings with a significant number of participants, the police, in accordance with the law, request the following information from all attendees:

• Name – Surname
• Turkish ID Number / Passport Number
• Phone Number

Participation Badge and ID Cards

We kindly ask that you wear your badge throughout the event to help easily identify participants. We appreciate your cooperation with the staff in this matter.

DONATIONS

We do not have any sponsors for this event. All expenses will be covered by the donations of participants.

Due to the winter conditions and rising inflation, we have had to set a minimum donation limit to ensure the event’s costs are balanced. We trust that everyone is aware of the economic situation and rising prices, so we kindly ask for a reasonable contribution to cover food, drinks, and general expenses.

We suggest a minimum donation of 1,000 TL. However, we would like to emphasize that the event expenses, including meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), night-time food and drinks during the Sema, heating, water, electricity, cleaning supplies, organizational costs, etc., amount to more than 1,000 TL per person. We kindly request that donations be made in a way that will not put undue financial pressure on anyone.

DRESS CODE AND BEHAVIOR

Different cultures and countries have varying behavioral norms, clothing styles, and hygiene sensitivities.

Although the essence is always the same, to approach this essence more closely, we should be mindful of the historical and cultural realities of these traditions and methods. To increase the spiritual grace we receive, we need to be conscious of our clothing, diet, and behavior.

The foundation of Sema is a spiritual practice. Please do not forget this. This respect should also be reflected in our dress code. This applies to both men and women.

CLOTHING: Clothing should be chosen to respect the privacy of the body, covering the shoulders, chest, back, waist, and legs.

Tight and transparent clothing should not be worn.

The dress code applies to all areas.

The dress code is valid from the moment you enter Yenice Vadi until you leave the area.

Please bring your slippers with you, or if you don’t have them, bring thick socks.

During Sema, please be mindful of how we speak, sit, and represent the tradition.
Avoid physical closeness throughout the gathering.

Spiritual work is about learning together. If we open ourselves to this, it can be an opportunity for all of us.

 

 

SELF-CARE AND SELF-RESPONSIBILITY

• Everyone is responsible for their own valuables and belongings.
  Please do not leave your belongings outside unattended.
• Take precautions against mosquitoes.
• The area may be cold at night. It will be helpful to bring warm clothing.
• You may also need a flashlight at night.
• To avoid unnecessary waste, please try to minimize the use of plastic in your preparations. (For example, use reusable water bottles instead of disposable plastic ones.)
• All participants are responsible for their own accommodation.

CLEANLINESS

• The general cleanliness and order of the area is the responsibility of all participants.
• Please do not litter. If you see someone throwing trash, kindly remind them, and if you find trash, pick it up.
• If you see empty plates, cups, etc., please take them to the kitchen.
• Do not enter the Sema area with dirty feet if you have been walking barefoot outside without cleaning your feet.
• Be mindful not to disturb others with cigarette smoke, excessive perfume, or body odor.
• Participate in this spiritual practice with a clean body and spirit.

TOILETS AND SHOWERS

• Everyone is responsible for the cleanliness of the showers and toilets.
• Please do not throw paper or anything else in the toilets, as the systems are not designed for that.
• After using the shower, please leave the shower area clean.
• For hygiene purposes, keep the toilet doors closed.

Hanging and Collecting Laundry

• Everyone is responsible for their own laundry.
• Please do not hang laundry outside the designated areas.

NOISE / SILENCE

Maintaining silence in the Sema hall, surrounding areas, accommodation spaces, and throughout the gathering is important. Silence is a part of this spiritual practice.
We kindly request that no music be played in the area (including the campsite) other than the scheduled activities in the Sema hall and dining hall.

KITCHEN AND MEALS

A kitchen team will be formed with the guidance of the Yenice Vadi team and volunteers.
Volunteers will be needed to help prepare three meals a day, wash dishes, and prepare snacks, tea, coffee, and other refreshments.
We expect all participants to volunteer.

• Only designated personnel and their helpers can enter the kitchen and pantry.
• There will be three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• The meals will be vegetarian.
• It is important to return kitchenware to the kitchen so it can be used when needed.

MUSIC & DHIKR (REMEMBRANCE)

• The music and dhikr should continue without interruption from the beginning of Sema until its conclusion.
• The music will be accompanied by dhikr (remembrance) for a day/night.
• Musicians will change every hour or two.
• A musician will be responsible for each time slot.
• If you wish to be part of the musician team, please contact the responsible musician and inform them via email during registration that you wish to participate as a musician.
• Please ensure that you play your instrument harmoniously.
• Avoid playing rhythms at high volumes.
• Since playing music outside the Sema area can distract from the focus of the gathering, we kindly ask that no music be played outside the Sema area during this gathering.

SEMAHANE (SEMA HALL)

• Sema is the main purpose of our gathering, and it is our priority.
  Please organize our planning, evaluations, and behavior with this awareness.
• Sema is a form of worship, a prayer. Let us adjust our behavior in the Semahane accordingly.
• Before entering the Semahane, please perform ablution. If you are unfamiliar, someone experienced can guide you.
• Before entering the Semahane, please remove your shoes and place them in the designated shoe rack. Shoes left carelessly at the entrance obstruct the flow in and out.
• When entering the Semahane through the door, greet the spirit of Sema by bowing. When leaving the area, bid farewell with the same gesture.
• If the Semahane is very crowded, be patient, and do not disturb anyone during the Sema.
• No talking should take place in the Semahane, except in urgent situations.
• Please refrain from bringing food and drink with cups into the Semahane. You may bring water in a bottle.
• The Semahane is for all of us to use. Please do not create personal spaces (e.g., leaving your belongings for long periods without returning).
• Phones must be silenced in the Semahane, and talking on the phone is not allowed.
• Filming and audio recording (by permission) are prohibited. Special times for such activities will be announced.

WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS IN THIS GATHERING

As with all previous Sema gatherings, the importance of teamwork for the harmony of this event is great.

Spiritual journey is service; Sema is sharing.
We invite all participants to volunteer to serve and share on this path.

Please indicate your desired volunteer area when you register (e.g., kitchen, donations, cleaning, music, organization, Semahane, registration, guidance, shopping).

ACCOMMODATION

There are no accommodation options within the Semahane or on the terrace.

Accommodation in rooms is possible with a donation for the costs of the Sema gathering.
For this option, please contact MaAile.

MaAile Contact: 0530 385 34 14

CAMPING

Yenice Vadi has two large yoga areas with heating systems.
There are separate sections for men and women, and shower and toilet facilities are available.
Those who wish to stay in these areas need to bring a sleeping bag and necessary camping equipment to stay warm.
Accommodation in this area requires a contribution towards electricity, heating, and space usage costs.
If you wish to camp here, please contact MaAile.

MaAile Contact: 0530 385 34 14

HOTELS IN THE VICINITY

There are hotels and guesthouses in the surrounding areas (20 km to Akyaka Center by car, 17 km to Muğla Center).

• All participants are responsible for their own accommodation.

CAMPING

• Please camp only in the designated areas.
• Everyone is responsible for their own camping gear.
• For safety reasons, please do not make fires!
• Be very careful with matches and cigarettes. The area is highly dry and fire hazards are present.
• For health and hygiene, please use only the designated shower and toilet areas.
• Please maintain silence in the camping area.

TRANSPORTATION

YENICE VADI is located in Menteşe, Muğla.
Address: Yenice Mahallesi, Karşıyaka Sokak No:215, Menteşe, Muğla, 48100, Turkey.

Taxis are available for transportation.

Transfer Information
From Bodrum Airport
Distance: 100 km
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

From Dalaman Airport
Distance: 100 km
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
For transfer information: 0 532 563 02 48

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Unfortunately, there is no direct public transportation to Yenice Vadi.
You can reach Muğla Bus Station, Gökova Dörtyol, or Akyaka Center by public transport, and then take a taxi to Yenice Vadi.

From Muğla Bus Station (16 km, 20 minutes by taxi)
From Akyaka Center (20 km, 25 minutes by taxi)
All participants are responsible for their own transportation.

SMOKING POLICY

Please do not smoke outside of the designated areas and only extinguish cigarette butts in ashtrays.

Since there may be guests with asthma or allergies, please be very sensitive to this issue.

WHAT WE DO NOT WANT HERE!

The use of narcotic substances is illegal under Turkish law.

Alcohol is incompatible with the spiritual purpose of this gathering. Therefore, the use of intoxicating or recreational substances, or arriving under their influence at the event location, will not be allowed.

For Sema, we believe a pure soul, a clear mind, and a luminous heart are necessary. Nicotine and biochemical stimulants negatively affect the body, mind, and spirit.

Security units working in the area will frequently check the location and its surroundings.

For any questions, please consult the staff. You can recognize the staff by the signs on their arms.

We kindly ask those who are unwilling to adhere to the above sensitivities not to attend, as we reserve the right to remove individuals from the area if they do not comply.

Here, each of us uses our most valuable gifts to find the right path.
Some may express themselves through sound, singing songs; others may enjoy cooking, playing instruments, remaining silent, and many other things. The path will reveal itself to each person, and here we can learn from each other.

Our gathering will begin on the evening of December 31st at 6:00 pm with dinner and will end on the evening of January 1, 2025.
On the morning of January 2nd, we will clean the area and leave the venue after breakfast.

We wish all of us a peaceful, loving, tolerant, and harmonious Sema Assembly.

With Love,
TÜMATA

All participants must fill out the participation form for Sema.
Sema Participation Form:https://forms.gle/6d9JX3fxEgoJfm1M8

Upon arrival at the venue on Sema day, please register at the registration desk and receive your name tag.

Tümata: [email protected] (TR.EN.DE)

We kindly ask volunteers wishing to participate in the Sema as “mutrib” (musician) to contact us.