Mevlâna Museum 🇹🇷

Located in Konya, Turkey, the Mevlâna Museum originated as the dervish lodge (Tekke) of the Mevlevi order, famous for the whirling dervishes. This historic site houses the mausoleum of Iranian Sufi mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (Mevlâna), who was buried here in 1273 next to his father in what was formerly a Seljuk sultan's rose garden. You will step through the marble-paved courtyard, surrounded by historical features like an ablutions fountain, a dervish kitchen, and 17 domed dervish cells.

Inside, you can admire the iconic turquoise-tiled dome rising above Rumi's gold-embroidered sarcophagus and view a masterpiece 12th-century Seljuk carved wooden sarcophagus. Explore the Ritual Hall (Semahane) to examine ancient musical instruments like the ney once played by Rumi, dervish clothing, crystal mosque lamps, and rare 14th-century poetry manuscripts. The adjoining mosque area showcases intricate illuminated Korans, valuable prayer rugs, and a nacre-decorated box believed to contain the Holy Beard of Muhammad.

Throughout the complex, you will see fine Ottoman calligraphy and Seljuk decorative motifs that reflect centuries of spiritual history.

What to see at Mevlâna Museum

• Rumi's sarcophagus beneath the signature turquoise-tiled dome
• Seljuk-era carved wooden sarcophagus and 16th-century silver lattice work
• Ritual Hall exhibiting Rumi's clothing, historic instruments, and rare manuscripts
• Marble courtyard featuring historic dervish cells and an ablutions fountain
• Small mosque displaying illuminated Korans, prayer rugs, and the Holy Beard box

Visiting tips

Pay close attention to the Tilavet Room's detailed Ottoman calligraphy and the Seljuk motifs decorating the mausoleum doors.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Mevlâna Museum is easy to reach on Konya’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Konya travel guide.