The notice, issued on Oct. 22, underscores how important it is for sema programs to be held under appropriate conditions and at suitable sites so that this heritage of Turkish culture can successfully be conveyed to audiences. The notice also underscored the significance of Mevlevi music as an accompaniment for sema programs, noting that only Mevlevi music is acceptable for this Turkish tradition. It explained that if an audience is not able to focus on and understand the sema performance because of the setting in which it is performed, the environment must be changed.
The notice also underscored the necessity of using live music to accompany the sema performances, noting that musicians and sema dancers themselves need to have the appropriate experience and training to perform the programs. It pointed to the importance of sema programs including all of the aspects of traditional sema performances, rather than just bits and pieces.

Authorities from the Konya Culture and Tourism Directorate said copies of the notice had been sent out to the Governor's Office and a number of municipalities.

One official from Konya said the fact that a government minister had expressed a clear will with regard to importance of traditional sema performances was very significant. "This is the first such notice of its kind in dictating specific guidelines for the circumstances under which sema performances are to take place. We believe that it will help prevent sema performances from being held in inappropriate sites. Those who disregard the specifications laid out in this new notice will be punished in accordance with the law," said the official.

Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Dr. Nuri Şimşekler of the Seljuk University Mevlana Research Center (SÜMAM), pointed out that, as a result of Turkey's application to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the name of Mevlevi culture, Mevlevi music and sema ceremonies were actually taken under official UNESCO protection in 2005, being added that year to the list of the world's cultural heritage. Şimşekler said he supports the notice sent out by Minister Günay with regard to the importance of preserving the traditional aspects of sema ceremonies, adding: "The fact that for the first time in Turkey a notice has been sent out on this subject has made Mevlevi researchers very happy. But we want to see authorities work carefully to see that the points listed in this notice are really followed."

Şimşekler also said the notice, which has been sent to hotels, restaurants and other sites where sema performances are regularly held, will help the people overseeing these sites make sure that sema performances take place under more appropriate circumstances.

In Konya, the head of the Özel Vuslat Sema Group, Mustafa Yılmaz, notes that he has been doing sema performances since 1963, and that he is a qualified expert when it comes to this part of Turkish culture. Yılmaz explained that in recent years in Turkey many unqualified people have put on sema programs and that these performances are being held at very inappropriate sites. "They have turned sema ceremonies over to weddings and group meetings. We are even seeing sema performances in restaurants that serve alcohol and in hotels. We are opposed to this. The sema must be done by qualified people and in appropriate places."

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