Mevlana Museum

A famous pilgrimage place for Muslims, the Mevlana Muzesi or Mevlana Museum is the former tekke (dervish hall) of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim Group. Located at the very heart of Konya , the museum houses the tomb of Jalal ad-Din-ar-Rumi (1207-1273), the greatest Sufi mystic and Persian language poet. Rumi is considered a saint, given his significant influence on Turkish cultural life. Through his poems, Rumi preached the message of peace, love of God and love for other people. Even if it is considered a Muslim holy place, non-Muslims also frequent the place, giving tribute to the poet-mystic-saint.

The museum is open everyday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a minimal fee of $2.50. The dervish hall includes a room for the whirling ceremony, a library, living and teaching quarters, and the mausoleum housing Rumi ? crowned with the honorable title of "Mevlana." Many Muslim pilgrims raise their hands in prayer upon facing his tomb.

There are also artifacts inside the museum dating back to more than seven centuries ago. Antique prayer carpets are also on display, as well as the central glass case that holds the relics of the Prophet Muhammed.

During the 17 th of December of every year, the entire Konya celebrates the death anniversary or "union with God" of the Great Mevlana.