The 2023 section of the project titled 'A Comprehensive Sufism Research: Sufi Thought, Literature, Music, and Rituals', jointly conducted by Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies and Kyoto University, Institute for Advanced Study of Asia and Africa, was completed with scientific programs held on August 28-29. Üsküdar University Rector's Advisor Cemalnur Sargut, who delivered the opening speech of the symposium, provided information about the sema ritual. Sargut stated that sema represents the symbolic turns of the body, the ascent of the soul, and spiritual development, and that sema symbolizes humanity's journey toward spiritual competence. Providing information about the Japanese leg of the project, Prof. Dr. Yasushi Tonaga, Head of the Sufi Studies Center at Kyoto University, stated, “Our center became the first center established in Japan for Sufi Studies. Turkey stands out as an exemplary country where we can observe mystic philosophy and practices since the Ottoman Empire. For this reason, we wanted to collaborate with Üsküdar University for our research." Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak, in his speech, expressed his satisfaction with the project, saying, “I attach importance to these meetings. I believe more work should be done on this topic and presented to humanity. I hope this pioneering effort by Üsküdar University and Kyoto University will lead to even better services.”
Within the scope of the 6-year project jointly carried out by Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies and Kyoto University, Institute for Advanced Study of Asia and Africa, a symposium was held to discuss the mystical meaning of the sema’ ritual and its intersection with music.
Cemalnur Sargut: “Sema’ symbolizes humanity’s journey to competence”
Delivering the opening speech of the symposium held at Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, Üsküdar University Rector's Advisor Cemalnur Sargut stated that the primary purpose of the 'Sema ritual' is for an individual to set aside the soul's excessive desires and dedicate themselves to Allah, internalizing His word.
Emphasizing that sema goes beyond being merely a physical ritual, standing out as a symbol of a spiritual journey and deep inner transformation, Sargut said, “While sema is considered an expression of pure intention, the human desire to draw closer to Allah is also at the heart of this ritual. Sema represents the symbolic turns of the body, the ascent of the soul, and spiritual development. It also symbolizes humanity’s inner maturity. The fervor of the heart and spiritual riches are reflected externally only when music and sema unite. A whirling with music that does not turn a person to their creator cannot be sema; sema must originate from the spirit, not from the body. Sema means to hear, to listen. Allah’s holy book, the Quran, begins with 'Read'. To understand a book that begins with 'Read', one must listen. Truth enters through the ear and settles in the heart. It should not be forgotten that sema is an act of worship, not a performance; an act of worship that describes surrendering to Allah's infinity by whirling around the heart from right to left. Sema carries the same symbolism as circumambulation (tavaf) around the Kaaba. Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, which is at the station of the heart. In sema, a person purifies themselves from bad habits by whirling around their own heart. The intention is to ascend spiritually and cover distance on the path to Allah. That heart is the station of Allah’s light. According to the meaning of the verse, ‘Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth’.”
Prof. Dr. Mahmud Erol Kılıç: “The sema ritual is the bodily expression of divine word”
Speaking during the opening speeches of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Erol Kılıç, faculty member of the Institute of Sufi Studies and Director General of IRCICA (Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture), drew attention to the importance of the sema ritual. Kılıç noted that sema, known as an important element of traditional Turkish culture, holds deep meanings. The spirit of the sema ritual is hidden in its meaning. The goal in Sufism is to know and recognize Allah.
Prof. Dr. Kılıç also pointed out that sema carries deep traces in Turkish folk culture, stating, “Sema is not only unique to the Sufi world but also symbolizes the Turkish people's heart-to-heart journey. Those who say 'You are mine, I am yours' maintain a close connection with Allah. This understanding represents not only a form of expression but also a way of life.”
Defining the sema ritual as the place where the divine word is spoken, Kılıç said, “This special ritual acquired the name sema through oral tradition. Sema should not be seen merely as a religious ritual. It is also possible to feel the presence of sema in every place where divine conversation takes place. Places of divine conversation are inherently places of sema. The gathering of a perfect spiritual guide is also called a sema gathering. There is a path from heart to heart,” he expressed.
Prof. Dr. Yasushi Tonaga: “Research in the field of mystical music and literature was limited in Japan”
Among the speakers, Prof. Dr. Yasushi Tonaga, Head of the Sufi Studies Center at Kyoto University, provided information on the project's work in Japan, which was initiated in 2021 with the support of Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies and the Kerim Foundation. Tonaga stated, “Our center was established in 2016 with the support of the Kerim Foundation and became the first center for Sufi Studies in Japan. To date, we have published 4 English and 1 Japanese book. Research in the field of Sufi music and literature has been quite limited in Japan until now. Turkey stands out as an exemplary country where we can observe Islamic philosophy and practices since the Ottoman Empire. For this reason, we chose Turkey for our research and wanted to collaborate with Üsküdar University. Dhikr and sema rituals were examined from an anthropological perspective in our research. Music and poetry were evaluated from literary and spiritual perspectives.”
Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak: “I hope this project will lead to even better services”
Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak began his speech by saying, “I am pleased that our university hosts an Institute of Sufi Studies, as one of the few thematic institutes in Turkey, and that thanks to this institute, a 6-year study has been planned in collaboration with Kyoto University in Japan.”
Koçak expressed his hope that the work, which began as a project to enlighten all humanity, would continue in the same manner, stating, “Just as technological advancements address humanity's worldly needs, another need addresses its conscience and heart. That is why I attach importance to these meetings. I believe more work should be done on this topic and data presented to humanity. I hope this pioneering effort by Üsküdar University and Kyoto University will lead to even better services.”
Prof. Dr. Kenan Gürsoy: “No activity that strives to understand humanity should be neglected”
Following the opening speeches, the program's first session began, moderated by Prof. Dr. Kenan Gürsoy, former Ambassador of the Vatican, Chairman of the Cenan Foundation Board of Trustees and Board of Directors. Making a statement regarding the project, Gürsoy said, “I believe it is important to conduct research on this topic. No activity that serves humanity in terms of being human, introduces its culture, and strives to help us understand the human within, regardless of whether it is from the West or the East, should be neglected. Sufi thought, as a very important element of our civilization, focuses precisely on the human being.”
Following the presentation by Master's student Petek Kutucuoğlu from the Institute of Sufi Studies titled ‘Ahmed Avni Konuk's Commentary on the Masnavi and the Concept of Aptitude’, Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Reşat Öngören, in his presentation titled ‘Dimensions of Sufi Thought in Mevlâna Celaleddin Rumi’, explained how Mevlana elucidated a complex issue step-by-step from its most intricate state to the simplest, how his works serve as a handbook for the public, and how he revealed the dimensions of Sufi thought within the context of the relationship between Allah and humanity. He stated, “In reality, existence is one. Multiplicity lies in details. The meaning that Allah encompasses everything is expressed in the verse. In this sense, Allah is always with His servant. Allah is one and everywhere, but His manifestations are different.”
Turkish and Japanese academics discussed the understanding of Sufism
In the continuation of the panel, Assistant Director of the Institute of Sufi Studies Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi presented on ‘The Influence of Mevlâna Celaleddin Rumi in Turkish Sufi Literature: Stories from the Masnavi’; Kyoto University PhD student Azusa Fujimoto on “New Spiritual Quests and Sufism in Turkey, Focusing on Western Interpretations of Mevlâna”; Prof. Dr. Yasushi Tonaga, Director of Kyoto University Kenan Rifai Sufi Studies Center, on “Literature, Music, Arts, and Rituals in Buddhism”; Dr. Manami Suzuki, a researcher from Kyoto University, on “The Ney in Mevlevism”; Prof. Dr. V. Emre Ömürlü on ‘Mevlevi Recitations in Mevlevi Ceremonies and Forms of Performance in Some Tarikats’; Asst. Prof. Dr. Dilek Güldütuna on ‘The Sema’ Ceremony and Seyrü Sülûk (Spiritual Journey)’; Prof. Dr. Masayuki Akahori from Sophia University in Tokyo on “Evaluating the Anthropology of Sufism: Changing Perspectives”; and Asst. Prof. Dr. F. Cangüzel Güner Zülfikar on ‘Mevlevihanes: Civilized and Civilizing Spaces’.
The conference concluded with a general discussion titled ‘Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Sufism’, moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. F. Cangüzel Güner Zülfikar.
From Ancient to Future: East-West Bridge…
On the other hand, the "East-West Bridge Project from Ancient to Future" Istanbul meeting event was held at Üsküdar University Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall.
The Institute of Sufi Studies met with 22 participants from Germany within the scope of the project.
