This December, LILA invites you on Konya for Şeb-i-Arûs, the Wedding Night of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
Each year on December 17, the city of Rumi fills with pilgrims, musicians and seekers who gather to remember his passing into union with the Beloved, a night he asked to be met with celebration, not grief. For one week, we join them: visiting the tombs of Rumi and Shams, turning in sema, and sitting in meşk, zikr and sohbet in the dergahs of Konya during its most alive week of the year.
Come, come, whoever you are… the Beloved awaits.
December 12 - 18, 2026
Sufi Pilgrimage for Şeb-i-Arûs
KONYA
Join LILA on a sacred pilgrimage to Konya for the 753rd anniversary of Seb-i Arus, the annual commemoration of Jalāl al-Dīn Rumi’s “Wedding Night,” i.e. the day he passed from this world. A day Rumi asked be remembered as a reunion with the Beloved, a celebration, not a day of mourning.
Together we will visit the resting places of Rumi, Shams, and others while immersing ourselves in daily practice and gatherings of whirling, zikr, poetry, and music.
Guided by Sufi masters, musicians and devoted practitioners, this journey offers an authentic encounter with the living heart of Sufism.
WHY TRAVEL WITH LILA?
Authentic, Culturally-Rich Experiences: We collaborate with local communities to offer genuine encounters with sacred traditions not typically accessible to most travelers.
Deep Spiritual Exploration: All our experience foster personal transformation through music, dance, and sacred rituals, connecting you with yourself and the Divine.
Exclusive Access and Intimate Group Size: Small groups allow for exclusive access to spiritual teachers, local artists and musicians, hidden locations, and deeper, more personalized experiences.
Purpose-Driven Travel: Your participation supports the preservation of cultural traditions, helping them thrive for future generations.
“This was, at its essence, pure love manifest […] and by the end of our tour my heart was birthed anew! I am grateful and humbled to have been a part of this journey of many lifetimes!”
-Ana F.
GET ALL PRICING & ITINERARY DETAILS:
HOSTS & COLLABORATORS
Cem Baba
Turkish Sufi Master in the Rifai Lineage
Omar Aena & Amira Radwan
LILA Founders
Ayna Ayna
All Female Sufi Music Group
“It gave me a sense of being beyond time and place, which is perhaps the goal of all spiritual experience, connecting to eternity… these are the experiences that were grounding , spiritually elevating, shaking the dust off of the eyes of my heart as Rumi might say.”
-Yousef Z.
WONDERING IF THIS TRIP IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?
LILA TESTIMONIALS
-
![]()
The trip was fabulous—it could not have been better. So beautifully curated, it brought together extraordinary sacred sites, lovely cities, delicious food, and Cem Baba’s loving and inspiring conversations. Every day was special, and we were so comfortably cared for throughout. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined experiencing these intersections of civilizations and faiths so deeply. Beyond the learning, I carry the heartfelt joy, connectedness, and oneness I felt at every level. Thank you so much for this unforgettable journey.
Gurmeet R
-
![]()
There are no words to describe how nourishing and expanding this Journey with Lila Series Tours was. Firstly the accommodations, food , and travel provided were all exceptional. Most amazingly this was a journey of the heart, of participants and experiencers , not of tourists and intellectual accumulators. We became an international family of joyous participation from whatever varied levels of exposure we had had previously to Sufi culture. I am deeply grateful and astoundingly enriched by this journey. I will never be the same. Thank you , Mahalo, Tesekkur ederim!
Sarah M
-
![]()
The trip was magic. All around us, with us in every way. Magic that awakened dormant seeds and brought to life love, laughter and deep connection. I know I was deeply touched and I believe everyone was deeply touched in some way. Thank you for making this happen.
Kelley J.
-
![]()
Omar and Amira and the team in Turkey did a wonderful job. The community of open-hearted people that journeyed together to Turkey made the trip amazing for me. It gave me a sense of being beyond time and place, which is perhaps the goal of all spiritual experience, connecting to eternity. The semah in cappadocia under the moonlight, the joining a dhikr meditation in Konya with a community that has been doing dhikr together there for decades, these are the experiences that were grounding , spiritually elevating, shaking the dust off of the eyes of my heart as Mevlana might say. The trip was amazing. 10/10 stars.
Yousef Z
-
![]()
“My experience in Morocco was thrilling, authentic and deep. Omar and the guides did an impeccable job curating the experience for us, and above all that, staying present and attentive throughout every step of the journey. I’d recommend this experience for anyone! Particularly those looking to explore an enchanting place in the company of deep souls, who enjoy traveling within a group that feels like home, and who feel called to touch and taste the essence of a place that rests beneath the TripAdvisor seafoam on the surface”
Emily S.
-
![]()
“I can't fully express how fun, adventurous and immersive the trip to Morocco was.
Traveling through the country's cities, shores, the Sahara desert and the Atlas mountains in a van with 16 semi strangers, we explored such a wide range of what this country has to offer with a focus on Gnawa music; which was incredibly connecting and heart opening.”
Edyta H.
-
![]()
“From the heart: This wasn't just a tour -- it was a total immersion into the rich cultural, musical, and spiritual gifts that Morocco has to offer. I feel so grateful to have had so many amazing new experiences there. Including a full-on Lila ceremony, which was one of the most transcendent experiences of my life.”
Simi M.
-
![]()
“The kind of journey you’ll remember for a lifetime. Curated with the help of local insiders, the team carefully planned an itinerary of authentic cultural activities, musical gatherings, healing modalities, educational opportunities and leisure time to discover breathtaking historic sites. The accommodations are comfortable, food is delicious, and overall, their passionate team does a great job with complex logistics. A genuinely respectful approach, and constant communication, ensures the group feels safe and honors the heritage we are exploring; while sharing the experience with enthusiastic locals. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for a conscious group travel adventure at the intersection of history, music, culture and dance.”
Beatriz Z.
-
![]()
“The best trip I've had in my whole life. Masterfully organized and curated”
Carlos M.
-
![]()
"This trip enriched my life, made it fuller, and will stay with me forever."
Sallie S.
-
![]()
Incredible loved all of it, one of the best guided experiences of my life
Brett K
PREVIOUS TOURS IN TURKEY
Listen to Sema Music
FAQs
-
Sufism is the poetry, music and mysticism of Islam. It’s vision revolves around realizing the current of love that runs through human life and the unity behind all forms. It’s method is the development of presence and love to awaken from our enslavement to the world and our own psychological processes, and into Unity with the Source of all.
The Sufis are those who love and are purified by love, free of themselves and their own qualities, and fully attentive to the Beloved.
(Adapted from Kabir Helminski, Living Presence.)
-
Sema is a devotional ceremony that includes live music, chanting and whirling movement meditation. It is performed as part of a process of remembering our true nature as being one with the divine source.
-
Yes absolutely! This tour is open to people from all walks of life. Sufism in its essence is simply the path of the heart. So we welcome anybody who resonates with this path.
-
Yes, in fact the majority of people who come on these tours come by themselves, but return with many new friends.
We will pair you up with someone who you’d share a room with, or if there are private accommodations available for an additional fee.
-
Yes, Turkey is known to be a very safe place for travelers from all over the world. They take their hospitality seriously, as it is part of their cultural norms and values. Keep in mind, we will be traveling as a group and will have guides with us so you won’t need to worry about being places in unsafe situations.
-
Please note that deposits and subsequent payments are non-refundable. In the event of a travel ban due to COVID-19 or any other unforeseen circumstances, trip dates will be rescheduled to a later date. No refunds will be issued. Any unease with regards to travel or quarantine upon return will not be considered. All payments are final and non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend for whatever reason, you may transfer the trip to a family member or friend, assuming they are approved by the Lila Series.
-
Turkey requires visas for entry for most passport holders. Please check requirements for your passport’s issuing country. Visas can be applied for online here and are granted immediately after paying the $50 fee.