Mevlana Museum
Mediterranean Region
The Mevlana Museum, originally the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, houses the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a renowned Persian Sufi mystic. Located in Konya, Turkey, the complex began as a burial site in the 13th century when Sultan 'Ala' al-Din Kayqubad donated his rose garden for Rumi's father's grave. After Rumi's death in 1273, a mausoleum was constructed by architect Badr al-Din Tabrizi, featuring a distinctive turquoise-tiled dome symbolizing the city. Over centuries, additional sections like the Ritual Hall, where the famous whirling dervish ceremonies were performed, were added. The museum contains invaluable artifacts including musical instruments played during the sema ritual, rare manuscripts of Rumi's poetry, and exquisite Seljuk woodcarvings. The tomb chamber is richly decorated with embroidered brocade and guarded by a silver lattice from the 16th century. The adjoining mosque displays illuminated Korans and prayer rugs, and a revered relic believed to be the Holy Beard of Muhammad. Since 1927, following Atatürk's decree, the site has served as a museum preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Mevlevi order and Rumi's enduring legacy.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during weekdays and outside peak tourist seasons to avoid crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during cultural festivals in Konya. The museum offers insight into the sema ritual, so attending a live whirling dervish performance in Konya can enrich the experience. Modest dress is suggested out of respect for the site's spiritual significance. Guided tours are available and can enhance understanding of the artifacts and history.
Interesting facts
- •The turquoise dome of the mausoleum is a city symbol of Konya.
- •The museum houses musical instruments once played by Rumi himself during the sema ritual.
- •The silver lattice separating the sarcophagi was crafted in 1579 by an artisan named Ilyas.
- •The museum contains some of the oldest surviving manuscripts of Rumi's poetry, including a Divan-i-Kebir from 1366.
- •The adjoining small mosque displays a box believed to contain the Holy Beard of Muhammad (Sakal-i Ṣerif).
History
The Mevlana Museum originated as a dervish lodge and mausoleum in the 13th century, built shortly after Rumi's death in 1273.
Commissioned by Rumi's successor and funded by notable Seljuk patrons, the mausoleum featured a turquoise dome and Seljuk architectural elements.
Over the following centuries, the complex expanded with additions like the Ritual Hall during Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent's reign and other structures until the mid-19th century.
In 1926, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk decreed the conversion of the lodge and tomb into a museum, officially opening in 1927 and renamed the Mevlana Museum in 1954, preserving the spiritual legacy of Rumi and the Mevlevi order.
Place Guide
Main Gate (Devisan Kapısı)13th century onwards
The marble-paved entrance courtyard features the dervishes' kitchen and tomb of Hurrem Pasha, with 17 domed cells for dervishes on the left, reflecting the spiritual community's daily life.
Ritual Hall (Semahane)16th century
Built during Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent's reign, this hall hosted the whirling dervish ceremonies accompanied by traditional instruments like the ney flute and kemence violin, some of which are displayed here.
Mausoleum and Sarcophagi1274 (mausoleum), 12th century (wooden sarcophagus)
Under the iconic turquoise dome lies Rumi's sarcophagus covered in gold-embroidered brocade, alongside those of his father and son. The wooden sarcophagus is a Seljuk woodcarving masterpiece, separated by a 16th-century silver lattice.
Tomb Gate (Türbe Kapisi) and Tilavet Room1492 (gate inscriptions), 16th century (silver door)
The decorated gate leads to the mausoleum and a small mosque, with doors bearing Seljuk motifs and Persian inscriptions. The Tilavet Room features rare Ottoman calligraphy where the Quran was continuously chanted.
Adjoining Small Mosque
Now housing a collection of illuminated Korans and prayer rugs, the mosque also contains a nacre-decorated box believed to hold the Holy Beard of Muhammad, a revered Islamic relic.
Contact
Phone: (0332) 351 12 15
