Groups from around the world are also scheduled to give performances during the festival, which will be held at Sultan Veled Hall and Sema Hall of the Metropolitan Municipality Mevlana Culture Center.

Established in 2008, the festival is organized by the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism of Konya every year to celebrate the birthday of Persian mystic and poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi on September 30.

Turkey’s International Mevlana Foundation honored Shajarian with a Golden Pin during his concert with the Shahnaz Ensemble in Konya in December 2009.

He received the award from Rumi’s 22nd niece Esin Celebi, who is also the deputy director of the foundation.

Shajarian was admitted to a hospital in late August for a week due to respiratory problems.