Semah is a set of mystical, aesthetic movements performed in rhythmic harmony.
Cem rituals are religious practices performed by followers of Alevi-Bektaşi, a belief system built on the admiration of Ali, the fourth caliph after Muhammed. In the view of Alevis, the Jem's origins can be found in a worship teaching and meeting which was led by Ali, along with forty spiritual individuals called Kirklar Majlisi (Turkish: Kirklar Meclisi) that sets in a Cem Evi. Turkish Ayîn-i cnem (meaning amass, congregation, assembly meeting) is the main alevi communal worship service, which is performed in houses.
In Alevi-Bektaşi communities across Turkey, there are different types of Semah, each with its own musical characteristics and rhythmic structures. Devout musicians play the saz long-necked lute during semahs, which are dances performed by semahçis (Semah dancers). This family of dances reminiscent of the Sama ritual of the whirling dervishes, embodying turning and swirling, are an indispensable part of any Cem. It is always performed by men and women together, side by side, accompanied by the bağlama. As an example, the dances symbolize the rotation of planets around the Sun (by turning in circles), and putting off one's self in order to unite with Allah. Semah rituals are based on the belief that God unites people with himself through a natural cycle: people come from him and return to him.
Semah consists of two forms: Içeri Semahs are performed in Cems among adherents only as part of the twelve services; Dişari Semahs have performed apart from services to make Semah culture more accessible to younger generations. Semah, however, is one of the most essential means of transmitting the Alevi-Bektaşi tradition. Throughout the tradition, practices, motifs, and teachings are passed down orally, and distinct genres of art and literature reflect the tradition. Through their performances, Semahs contribute significantly to fostering and enriching Turkish traditional music culture.
As of today, several civil society organizations work to preserve and safeguard the semah ritual for future generations. As a part of the Fundamental Alevi Education Principles, Sah Kulu Sultan Lodge offers semah training courses. Currently, semah training is available for three age groups: 7-12, 14-25, and 40+. There are 30 students in each class, most of whom are female. Students are taught historical, religious, and philosophical aspects of the semah by instructors who possess their skills and knowledge. In addition to learning the theory of the semah, students participate in hands-on tasks related to the semah ritual.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/semah-alevi-bektai-ritual-00384) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jem_(Alevism)#The_Semah_(Sam%C4%81h)) |Subject=Belief, dance, Music, Ritual |Country=Turkey |SDG=(11) Sustainable Cities and Communities }}