Mevlana Museum

Mevlana Museum

The Mevlana Museum in Konya is a remarkable cultural complex that includes a mausoleum dedicated to the renowned Sufi mystic, poet, and philosopher Jelaleddin Rumi. The museum is comprised of various sections such as an outdoor area, Dervish Cells, a Kitchen, a Yard, a Mosque, a Library, a Chant Room, a Sadirvan, a Semahane, and a Çerag Door.

Mevlana Museum

Initially, the complex was a rose garden inhabited by dervishes and was gifted by Sultan Aladdin Keykubat to Sultânül-Ulemâ Bâhaeddin, Mevlana's father, during the Seljuk era. Later on, the Mevlana Museum was constructed, which primarily includes the graves of Mevlana's family members. In 1926, it was converted into a museum, which it remains today.

The Mevlana Museum is considered a sacred site for Muslims, with over 1.5 million visitors annually. Visitors are expected to follow certain customs, such as wearing appropriate attire and respecting those who are praying for Rumi's blessings by not interrupting their meditation. Upon entering the museum, one must keep their eyes downcast, and shoes are required to have covers. Women are not allowed to wear shorts or tops of any kind. The museum covers approximately 18,000 square meters, and the grand mausoleum, known as "Kubbe-i Hadra" or Green Dome, is supported by four pillars adorned with green tiles. The mausoleum was designed by the talented architect Bedrettin Tebrizi.