Each year up to a million people flood Konya, Turkey, on the anniversary of the death of the poet and Sufi Islamic mystic Jelaluddin al-Rumi. Rumi’s teachings are the basis for the Sufi Muslim order known as Mevlevi, which uses music and dance to experience spiritual ecstasy. Leading up to December 17, thousands of visitors arrive to partake of exhibits and lectures related to Rumi and the Mevlevi order. At the climax of the festival, the Mevlevis perform their whirling dance, wearing costumes that feature white trousers, a full white overskirt, and tall cylindrical hats. Discuss