The Mevlana Museum, also known as Mevlana Türbesi (Mausoleum of Rumi), is one of Turkey’s most important religious, cultural, and historical landmarks. Located in the heart of Konya, the complex houses the tomb of the renowned 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, philosopher, and Sufi mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, whose teachings of love, tolerance, and spiritual unity continue to inspire millions of people around the world.

Recognized by its magnificent turquoise-tiled Green Dome (Kubbe-i Hadra), the museum was originally built as a Mevlevi dervish lodge and became the spiritual center of the Mevlevi Order, widely known as the “Whirling Dervishes.” Today it is one of Turkey’s most visited museums, welcoming pilgrims, scholars, and travelers interested in Sufism, Islamic art, and Anatolian history.

History

The origins of the complex date back to 1230, when Bahaeddin Veled, the father of Mevlana and one of the most respected Islamic scholars of his time, passed away and was buried on this site.

Following the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi on 17 December 1273, a magnificent mausoleum was commissioned by the Seljuk statesman Mu’in al-Din Pervane and his wife Gürcü Hatun (the Georgian Princess). Construction was carried out under the supervision of the architect Bedreddin of Tabriz, transforming the simple burial site into an elegant Seljuk monument.

Over the following centuries, Ottoman sultans and benefactors expanded the complex with new buildings, including prayer halls, dervish quarters, libraries, kitchens, fountains, and ceremonial spaces. The site gradually evolved into the principal center of the Mevlevi Order.

After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey and the closure of dervish lodges in 1925, the complex was converted into the Mevlana Museum, opening its doors to the public in 1927.

The Green Dome (Kubbe-i Hadra)

The most recognizable feature of the complex is the spectacular Green Dome, known in Turkish as Kubbe-i Hadra.

Rising approximately 25 meters (82 feet) above the mausoleum, the dome rests on a sixteen-sided cylindrical drum topped by a sixteen-fluted conical roof. Both the drum and dome are covered with brilliant turquoise tiles that have become one of the defining symbols of Konya.

The striking green-turquoise color gives the monument its distinctive appearance and has made it one of the most photographed landmarks in Turkey.

The Mausoleum

Inside the mausoleum lies the richly decorated wooden sarcophagus of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, one of the finest surviving masterpieces of Seljuk wood craftsmanship.

Beneath Mevlana’s elevated sarcophagus rests the simpler grave of his father, Bahaeddin Veled, in accordance with his wish that his son’s resting place should stand above his own.

The mausoleum contains the tombs of approximately 65 members of Mevlana’s family, disciples, and important figures of the Mevlevi Order, making it one of the most significant Sufi burial sites in the Islamic world.

The interior is adorned with exquisite examples of:

• Ottoman calligraphy
• Seljuk wood carving
• Gold-leaf ornamentation
• Painted floral decorations
• Marble craftsmanship
• Illuminated Qur’anic inscriptions

The atmosphere inside the mausoleum is one of quiet reflection, attracting both pilgrims and visitors from across the globe.

The Mevlevi Dervish Lodge

The surrounding complex served for centuries as the headquarters of the Mevlevi Order.

Its buildings include:

• Dervish living quarters
• Prayer rooms
• Meditation spaces
• A library
• Kitchens
• Guest accommodations
• Courtyards
• Ritual halls
• Fountains
• Gardens

The architecture reflects both Seljuk elegance and later Ottoman additions, illustrating the continued importance of the complex over several centuries.

The Semahane

One of the most important buildings within the complex is the Semahane, the ceremonial hall where the famous Sema ceremony—the Whirling Dervishes’ ritual dance—was performed.

The present structure was built during the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century.

The Sema is a deeply symbolic act of worship in which dervishes rotate gracefully in white robes while accompanied by traditional Mevlevi music, representing the soul’s spiritual journey toward divine love and unity with God.

Today, performances continue during special ceremonies and cultural events.

Museum Collections

The museum preserves one of Turkey’s richest collections of Islamic art and Mevlevi heritage.

Among its treasures are:

• Manuscripts of the Qur’an
• Rare handwritten works
• Mevlana’s personal belongings
• Dervish clothing
• Ceremonial hats (sikke)
• Prayer beads
• Illuminated manuscripts
• Ottoman calligraphy
• Musical instruments used during Sema ceremonies
• Handwoven carpets and kilims
• Wooden masterpieces
• Metalwork
• Historic textiles

These collections provide valuable insight into the spiritual and artistic traditions of the Mevlevi Order.

The Seb-i Arus Ceremony

Each year, thousands of visitors gather in Konya between 7 and 17 December to commemorate the anniversary of Mevlana’s passing.

Rather than mourning his death, followers celebrate it as Seb-i Arus, meaning “The Wedding Night” or “Night of Union.”

According to Mevlana’s philosophy, death represents the reunion of the human soul with God rather than an ending.

During the festival, visitors can experience:

• Whirling Dervish ceremonies
• Sufi music performances
• Religious lectures
• Poetry readings
• Spiritual gatherings
• Cultural exhibitions
• Traditional Turkish arts

The annual celebrations attract participants from all over the world.

Architecture

The Mevlana complex combines architectural elements from several historical periods.

Visitors can admire:

• Seljuk stone craftsmanship
• Ottoman domes
• Marble courtyards
• Decorative arches
• Wooden ceilings
• Intricate tilework
• Floral ornamentation
• Arabic inscriptions
• Elegant fountains
• Peaceful gardens

The harmonious blend of architecture reflects centuries of continuous devotion and artistic excellence.

Spiritual Significance

The Mevlana Museum is one of the most important centers of Sufism in the world.

Rumi’s teachings emphasize:

• Love
• Compassion
• Tolerance
• Inner peace
• Unity of humanity
• Spiritual growth
• Service to others

His poetry has been translated into dozens of languages and continues to influence readers across cultures and religions.

The complex remains an active place of remembrance where visitors of every faith are welcomed.

Top Attractions

Highlights of the Mevlana Museum include:

• The Green Dome (Kubbe-i Hadra)
• Mevlana Rumi’s tomb
• The tomb of Bahaeddin Veled
• The Semahane
• Dervish cells
• Museum galleries
• Historic manuscripts
• Ottoman calligraphy
• Musical instrument collection
• Courtyards and gardens
• The Seb-i Arus Pool
• Traditional fountains

Things to Do

• Visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi.
• Explore the museum’s remarkable collections.
• Learn about Sufi philosophy and Mevlevi traditions.
• Watch a Whirling Dervish (Sema) performance.
• Admire Seljuk and Ottoman architecture.
• Photograph the iconic Green Dome.
• Browse the museum’s manuscript collections.
• Visit during the Seb-i Arus Festival in December.
• Explore Konya’s historic city center.
• Reflect in the peaceful gardens and courtyards.

Best Time to Visit

The museum welcomes visitors throughout the year.

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather for sightseeing.

The most spiritually significant time to visit is 7–17 December, during the Seb-i Arus commemorations, when Konya hosts special ceremonies honoring Mevlana’s life and teachings.

Getting There

The Mevlana Museum is located in the center of Konya and is easily accessible.

By Air

Konya Airport offers regular domestic flights and limited international connections.

By High-Speed Train

Fast train services connect Konya with Ankara, Eskişehir, and Istanbul.

By Road

Regular intercity buses serve Konya from all major Turkish cities.

The museum is within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants, and other historical attractions in the city center.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors often combine the Mevlana Museum with other notable sites in Konya, including:

• Alaeddin Hill and Alaeddin Mosque
• Karatay Medrese (Tile Museum)
• İnce Minare Medrese
• Shams of Tabriz Mosque and Tomb
• Konya Archaeological Museum
• Tropical Butterfly Garden
• Sille Ancient Village
• Meram Gardens
• Aziziye Mosque
• Konya Panorama Museum

Travel Tips

• Dress modestly, as the mausoleum is a place of spiritual importance.
• Speak quietly inside the tomb chamber to respect worshippers and pilgrims.
• Allow at least two to three hours to explore the museum and its collections.
• Audio guides or local guides provide valuable insights into Mevlana’s life and Sufi philosophy.
• Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
• If possible, plan your trip during the Seb-i Arus Festival to witness the moving Whirling Dervish ceremonies and experience one of Turkey’s most meaningful cultural events.

The Mevlana Museum is far more than an architectural monument—it is a timeless symbol of peace, spirituality, and the universal message of love that Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi shared with the world more than seven centuries ago.