Visual and Symbolic Elements of the Sema Ceremony in Graphic Design, with a Focus on Rumi's Sema

Abstract

In the contemporary era, where visual arts have expanded significantly, words have largely given way to visual art, and sometimes to a phrase or a word in an artistic or literary work that serves as a symbol or sign. Artists, especially poets, illustrators, and graphic designers, have a specific goal and correct path in using these elements. Therefore, to understand and analyze the artist's intention, it is necessary to recognize their visual logic and language. In art that deals with spiritual meanings, semiotics gains more importance, which can be found in the poetry of Rumi. The choice of Samaa in this research is significant because it is primarily performed with specific movements and costumes, each of which has its unique semiotic meaning. The rhythmic movements and coordinated actions ultimately unite the dancer with the creator and the entire cosmic system, symbolizing unity and oneness. The aim of this research on Samaa is to identify the symbols and the relationship between visual elements that create a connection between form, space, and letters in environmental graphics. In addition to analyzing Rumi's poems, this research also depicts the movements of Samaa in combination with calligraphy and environmental graphics. To achieve these goals, the study was conducted based on library resources, and visual works, including visual arts and architecture, were studied during the research. The nature of the research is descriptive-analytical and applied. The primary purpose of conducting such research was the author's interest in Rumi and Samaa, and secondly, to discover the connection between the visual elements that constitute it with environmental graphics. The resulting outcome is a collection of stages of the dervishes' Samaa, followed by a semiotic approach and environmental graphics, creating visual works and introducing them to contemporary society.