Mevlana Mausoleum is a holy place in Konya and is visited by over 1.5 million people every year. Famous among Muslims, the tomb was built in 1274 as a dervish lodge. Today it is the resting place of a renowned Persian Sufi mystic – Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. People from all walks of life come to seek Rumi’s help for all matters.
As you enter the gates of this mausoleum, you will walk through the expansive garden and reach the Gate of the Dervishes – Dervişan Kapısı. You will also see a courtyard with a fountain in the middle. The entire scene is blissful and captivating.
The entrance of the Mevlana Mausoleum has an inscription saying that anyone who enters will be incomplete but return as a perfect being. There are various things to explore inside the premises. You can check out Mevlâna's Tomb, the Nisan tası, the Matbah, and The dervish cells.
Highlights
• Get a unique perspective on the religious and cultural heritage of Turkey through a tour of the Mevlana Mausoleum; the tomb of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi.
• Peek through the window and into the world of the 13th Century poet and philosopher Rumi and the beautiful life of Sufism.
• Walk through the well-groomed garden and don’t hold back from admiring the beautiful fountain in the middle of the Mevlana Mausoleum courtyard.
• Be a part of the pilgrim at this holy place where over 1.5 million people visit and ask for help from Rumi to improve their life.
• Examine all the places of the Mevlana Mausoleum, including the dervish cells (a place where dervishes lived), Matbah (kitchen), and a wooden practice board.
How To Reach
- By Car: Mevlana Mausoleum is merely 2 km from the Konya City Centre. It will take approximately 5 minutes to reach you via car or taxi.
- By Bus: Various bus routes are available to the Mevlana Mausoleum. You can confirm the bus routes and schedules online.
- By Tram: Take a tram from your destination to Alaaddin stop. It is closest to the mausoleum and is within walking distance.
- By Walk: The distance from Konya City Centre to Mevlana Mausoleum can be covered within 15 minutes on foot.
Best Time To Visit
Mevlana Mausoleum is open to the public throughout the year.
- Best Season: Visit the mausoleum between June and September as the place hosts the Whirling Dervish Sema ceremony.
- Best Day in the Week: Visit on the weekdays the complex can otherwise be extremely busy.
- Best Time of the Day: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd and get an immersive experience of the museum.
Other Essential Information
Visitor Tips:
- Dress modestly as this is a religious site and you have to keep your head covered as well.
- You are required to remove their shoes before entering certain parts of the mausoleum.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowd.
- Maintain peace and respect inside the complex as several people visit for spiritual reflection.
- Consider taking a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of Rumi's life and the history of the mausoleum.
- Konya can get quite hot, especially in summer, so carry water and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- If possible, plan your visit to coincide with a Sema ceremony, the Whirling Dervishes' spiritual dance.
Visit the Tomb of Rumi
The tomb is the main feature of the Mevlana Mausoleum. It is where the 13th-century Persian mystic - Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi is buried. He rests in a sarcophagus, intricately designed and well-maintained for centuries. This tomb is covered with a velvet cloth and is enveloped in Islamic art and beautiful calligraphy. Millions of visitors come every year and pay their respects. They seek inspiration from Rumi’s teachings and experience serenity.
Explore the Dervish Cells
The dervish cells are right next to the mausoleum. They are where the Whirling Dervishes (followers of Rumi) lived and studied. The rooms give you an insight into the disciplined life of the dervishes. They dedicated their entire lives to spiritual growth by following different practices of Rumi. These simple-looking quarters take you through the devotion and simplicity with which those followers lived. Some exhibits are also present in the room such as manuscripts, personal belongings, and relics.
Learn about History at the Museum of Manuscripts
The complex has a museum for travellers to explore and learn everything. This museum has a vast collection of relics, manuscripts, and artefacts going back to the Mevlevi Order and Rumi. There are rare copies of the work drafted by Rumi, including ancient Korans, Masnavi, traditional Mevlevi outfits, and musical instruments which were popular for Sufi ceremonies. These exhibitions give you a detailed understanding of the spiritual and cultural heritage. It highlights the impact left on the world through Rumi’s teachings and poetry.
Walk through the Sema Hall
The hall is located within the Mevlana Mausoleum and is where the spiritual dance of the Whirling Dervishes is performed. This dance ritual is a symbol of the journey of the soul shifting towards divine enlightenment and love. Its design facilitates a transcendental and meditative experience. There is a circular floor and a few acoustic features to enhance the chant and music. As you experience the Sema, you will surely be moved and transcend into a spiritual journey.
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