Dear friends,
Meşk Society is offering new classes this term, as we continue to preserve and expand the Sufi classical music traditions of Asia Minor and the surrounding region. Alongside the Mevlevi Âyîn tradition, we also gather around devotional song, especially ilâhîs (and related forms such as nefes, deyiş, and semâh). Nurtured for generations in the spirit of remembrance, this tradition is now also being tended by our community with love and care, and many musicians today find inner meaning as they embrace this repertoire. Within that wider stream, the Mevlevi order (the followers of Rumi) is especially known for its devotion to beauty, and their remembrance ceremony (zikir) takes the form of Sema: a structured ritual of listening, movement, and sublime music.
The compositions written to accompany this ceremony are called Âyîn (Ayin-i Şerîf), a classical composition style designed to mirror an inner journey from ordinary existence toward wisdom and wholeness, and to help both the musicians and the listeners enter deep presence and unity. Because this tradition was transmitted primarily through oral training rather than notation, learning to perform it well requires more than reading notes: it requires learning the sound, feeling, and intention carried within the makam (melodic system) and usûl (rhythmic system). Classes are guided by Dr. Timuçin Çevikoğlu, whose research and teaching help keep this repertoire true to its roots.
For new registrations, please contact info@meshksociety.org
Classes this term
🌹 Âyîn Class
Saturdays, 9:30–11:30am PT | 20:30–22:30 TR (GMT+3) (4 months / 16 weeks)
Âyîn Class is a space of attentive listening, where poetry, rhythm, and melody are companions on the path. We’ll explore the meaning of the text as it moves through usûl and form, with practical work on makâm, geçki (modulation between makams), and pitch to help the music land with clarity and heart. This term we’ll be with the Sûzidil Âyîn-i Şerîf, composed by Zekâ’î Dede.
Starts February 21, 2026
🌹 İlâhî Class
Tuesdays, 9:30–11:30am PT | 20:30–22:30 TR (GMT+3) (ongoing, join anytime)
İlâhî Class offers a gentle way into Turkish music and Sufi music culture through ilâhîs. Alongside ilâhîs, we’ll also spend time with related devotional forms such as nefes, deyiş, and semâh, and the worlds they carry. We’ll share brief context on the composers and poets, explore the meaning of the lyrics, and do practical work with makâm, geçki (modulation between makams), pitch nuance, and usûl so the singing feels grounded and alive. Open to ilâhî lovers of all levels.
Starts February 24, 2026
With warm regards and prayers for ease on the path,
-without AÅŸk, there can be no MeÅŸk-
