Mevlana Museum/Mevlana Müzesi, A spiritual sanctuary of Sufi mysticism and dance

Aziziye Neighbourhood, Museum Area Street (Mevlana Street), 42000 Konya, Konya Province, Turkey

The holy place of Sufism in Islamic religion

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Introduction

The most important monument in Konya is the mausoleum of Mevlana Jalal ed-Din Muhammad Rumi. Rumi was a famous Sufi poet and the founder of the Mevlevi Sufi Order in the Middle Ages. He was born in Balkh, Khurasan (now Tajikistan), but fled to Anatolia to avoid the Mongol invasions. Later, he was invited by Sultan Ala' ud-Din Kayqubad to preach in Konya, where he became famous. The mausoleum in Konya is the final resting place of Rumi and other important members of the Order, and also serves as the headquarters of the Mevlevi Order. The museum covers a large garden and important buildings include the Rumi Mausoleum, the Mevlana Family Mausoleum, a mosque, and a seminary. The Rumi Mausoleum was built in 1274 and is a magnificent structure, with the blue-tiled tomb tower being a major feature. The whole museum has a high artistic value and deep historical significance.