Konya Mevlana Museum Travel Guide – Tips, Tickets & Highlights

Ömer Faruk Kino
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Konya is one of Turkey's richest cities in terms of culture and spirituality. The city is a major attraction for both local and foreign tourists, particularly due to the dervish lodge and tomb of Mevlâna Celâleddîn-i Rûmî. The Mevlana Museum in Konya is not just a tourist attraction, but also a place steeped in history and culture that offers a profound spiritual experience. In this travel guide, you will find all the details you need to know about the Mevlana Museum. So, where is the Mevlana Museum? What are the ticket prices for the Mevlana Museum? And how to visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya? Let's explore all you need to know about the Mevlana Museum in detail!

Who Was Mevlana?

Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi was born in Balkh in 1207. After migrating to Anatolia, he lived in Konya and was a great Sufi mystic, poet and thinker. His universal teachings are based on love, tolerance and humanity. He is known as the founder of the Mevlevi Order, and his ideas live on through the Sema rituals and his works even after his death. Mevlana's most famous work, the Masnavi, describes both his philosophy and the inner journey of man. His life and teachings form the basis of the spiritual atmosphere felt when visiting the Mevlana Museum.

What is the Mevlana Museum?

The Mevlana Museum officially gained museum status in 1926. Previously operating as the Mevlana Dergâhı, this structure was one of the centres of the Mevlevi order. The tomb of Hz. Mevlana and the surrounding complex of buildings bear traces of both the dergâh and the Mevlevi tradition.

The museum offers visitors a wealth of information about the daily life of the Mevlevis. The semahane, Çelebi Dairesi, kitchen and other auxiliary buildings are of great importance for understanding the social and spiritual life of the order. The Mevlana Museum is also known as the venue for sema performances. These performances are one of the finest examples of experiencing Mevlana's teachings.

Historical and Architectural Features of the Mevlana Museum

The architecture of the Mevlana Museum combines Seljuk and early Ottoman influences. Mevlana passed away in 1273, and his tomb was built the following year. The tomb was designed by Bedrettin of Tabriz, one of the renowned architects of the period.

The most striking feature of the tomb is its green tiled dome. Known among the people as the ‘Green Dome’, it is one of the finest examples of Seljuk tile art. The fact that the tomb rests on four thick columns emphasises both its structural strength and aesthetic appearance.

The museum complex is not limited to the tomb. The Semahane is the area where the Mevlevis performed their rituals and attracts attention with its elegant woodwork. The Çelebi Dairesi is the section where the dervish lodge's administrators resided and sheds light on daily life during that period. The Matbah Pavilion was used as a kitchen and reflects the culinary culture of the time. The Meydan-ı Şerif and Şeb-i Arus Pool offer visitors spiritual and social experiences. All these structures are highly valuable for understanding the social and cultural dimensions of the Mevlevi tradition.

Spiritual Atmosphere of the Mevlana Museum and Şeb-i Arus

The Mevlana Museum offers a profound spiritual atmosphere that transcends its status as a historical site. The teachings of Mevlana are based on love, tolerance, humanity and universal peace. The artefacts, written texts and exhibitions within the museum convey these messages to visitors.

The Şeb-i Arus ceremonies, held every year on 17 December, are organised to mark the anniversary of Mevlana's death. This event is also known as the ‘Night of Union’ and symbolises the night Mevlana attained union with Allah. During Şeb-i Arus, sema performances are held, hymns are recited, and visitors are offered a unique spiritual experience. These ceremonies are among the museum's most impressive events for both local and foreign visitors.

Where is the Mevlana Museum and how can it be visited?

The Mevlana Museum is located in the Aziziye neighbourhood of the Karatay district in Konya. 

📍 Click for the location

Transportation to the Mevlana Museum

The museum is quite close to the city centre of Konya and can be easily reached by public transport. City buses and tram lines are very close to the museum. It is also possible to reach the museum comfortably by taxi or private vehicle. There are parking areas for visitors near the museum.

Visiting Hours and Admission Fee to the Mevlaana Museum

The Mevlana Museum is open all year round. Visiting hours may vary depending on the season:

  • Summer Season (1 April – 1 October): 09:00 – 19:00

  • Winter Season (1 October – 1 April): 09:00 – 17:00

The ticket office closes at 18:40 in summer and 16:40 in winter. Admission to the museum is free, ensuring easy access for all visitors.

Audio Guide and Visitor Tips to the Mevlana Museum

An audio guide service is available for visitors. This guide provides a detailed account of Mevlana's life, works, and the history of the Mevlevi Order.

When planning your visit, you may wish to consider the following tips:

  • Start your visit in the morning to avoid the crowds.

  • You can make reservations in advance to experience special events such as Şeb-i Arus or semâ performances.

  • Permission may be required to take photographs around the museum; be especially careful in the tomb and semâhâne areas.

  • While exploring Konya, you can also visit other cultural sites near the museum, such as Alaeddin Hill, İnce Minareli Medrese and Karatay Medresesi.

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