Mevlana Museum

The Journey of Mevlana's Family

The Mevlana Museum, located in Konya, is dedicated to the memory of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, one of the most influential mystic poets and Sufi thinkers in Islamic history. The story of Mevlana begins with his father, Bahaeddin Veled, an importan Islamic scholar and preacher originally from Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan).

Bahaeddin Veled left Balkh with his family around the early 13th century and travelled through the Middle East, eventually arriving in Konya which used to be the capital of the Seljuk Empire. The Sultan of the time welcomed Bahaeddin and offered him a teaching position. Konya became the family's residence and in this city Mevlana would later gain widespread spiritual influence.

Life of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi

Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273) was a theologian, poet, and spiritual teacher. He followed in his father's footsteps and studied under different masters to eventually become a respected Islamic scholar. His life took a transformative turn after meeting the dervish Shams-i Tabrizi, a man with unconventional approach to the spiritual and a controversial thinker for his time.

After Shams disappeared under mysterious circumstances, Mevlana expressed his grief through poetry. His most significant work is Mesnevi (Masnavi) which is a spiritual and philosophical poem, regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Sufi literature. He also wrote lyrical poems that reflect his love for God and mystical experiences that are brought together in Divan-ı Kebir.

The Mevlana Museum Complex

The Mevlana Museum was originally the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi Order. The religious lodges were closed in 1925 and the site was turned into a museum in 1926. Today, the complex remains one of Turkey's most visited religious and historical sites.

The Tombs Section

The main section houses the tomb of Mevlana, marked by a distinctive green conical dome known as the Green Dome. Mevlana's sarcophagus is the one covered in green cloth embroidered with gold verses. Near his sarcophagus are the tombs of his father Bahaeddin Veled and his son Sultan Veled.

Semahane (Whirling Hall)

The whirling dervish hall was where the sema ceremonies were performed. The hall now serves as an exhibition space showcasing Mevlana's works. Mevlana's Mesnevi and hand written and decorated Qurans can be found here.

The Mosque

The mosque inside the complex is a later addition from the Ottoman period, used for daily prayers and Mevlevi rituals. Though small in size, it remains an active religious site and is open to visitors for quiet reflection and prayer.

Dervish Cells and Daily Life Artifacts

The rooms that surround the inner courtyard are individual cells where dervishes once lived and studied. These rooms have been restored recentl and now display a wide range of historical items used by the dervishes. Some rooms display musical instruments that were an important part for their whirling rituals. Sufi clothing such as tall felt hats and white robes can also be found in these rooms. Each dervish cell displays items that offers insight into the structured lifestyle, discipline, and devotion of the dervishes.