Mevlana Museum, Konya, Turkey, Nov 2012

Dear Diary,

The main building

After being awed at a caravanserai, next we expanded our knowledge at Mevlana Muzesi, a museum in Konya. It is opened daily from 9am to 5:30pm with a minimal 5TL entrance fee. Before entering the museum, visitors have to wear plastic covers over their shoes as to keep the place clean because it is considered a sacred place.

The museum used to be the actual accommodation place for Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim sect. Their revered founder Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi was a great philosopher. The word mevlana means “our guide” to his followers.

As you enter the museum, your attention will be focused on beautifully framed calligraphies. Next, you’ll see Rumi’s mausoleum together with his family’s and other Mevlevi leaders’ tombs. As you walk further, you’ll see historical as well as Islamic artifacts.

The most special item being displayed is Prophet Muhammad’s PBUH beard. We cannot see the relic because it is kept inside a box but we can get a whiff of nice fragrant smell through small holes at each corner of the display glass case.

The smaller exhibition areas

Taking picture is not allowed inside the museum’s main exhibition building. Nevertheless, visitors can snap pictures at smaller building’s exhibition areas outside. These smaller celled exhibition areas depict the group’s daily life and faith.

Sources: www.sacred-destinations.com, www.turkeytravelplanner.com

Address: Mevlana Mah., Konya, Turkey. Telephone number: +90 332 351 1215.