10 Things to Do in Külliye of Mevlana, Konya, Turkey
Konya, Turkey is home to the world-renowned Külliye of Mevlana, a complex of buildings that houses the final resting place of the famous Sufi philosopher and poet, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. The Külliye is a popular pilgrimage site for Rumi’s followers, as well as a place of beauty and spiritual contemplation for all visitors. Here are 10 things you can do when visiting the Külliye of Mevlana in Konya, Turkey.
1. Visit Mevlana's Tomb: The centerpiece of the Külliye of Mevlana is the tomb of Mevlana himself, which is located in the center of the complex. This large, domed structure is a popular pilgrimage site for Rumi’s followers, and is a beautiful place to pay your respects and offer a prayer.
2. Take a Tour: The Külliye of Mevlana offers guided tours of the complex, which can be a great way to learn more about the history of the site and the life of Mevlana. Tours are offered in both Turkish and English, and can be booked in advance.
3. Attend the Sema Ceremony: The Külliye of Mevlana is home to the sema ceremony, a traditional Sufi ritual that is performed in the complex every Friday afternoon. The ceremony is a beautiful and spiritual experience, and is open to the public.
4. Explore the Museum: The Külliye of Mevlana houses a museum, which contains a collection of artifacts related to the life and teachings of Mevlana. The museum is open to the public, and is a great place to learn more about the history of the site and the life of Mevlana.
5. Shop at the Bazaar: The Külliye of Mevlana is home to a bustling bazaar, which sells a variety of items such as jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. The bazaar is a great place to find unique gifts and mementos of your visit.
6. Admire the Architecture: The Külliye of Mevlana is home to a variety of beautiful architectural styles, ranging from the traditional Ottoman style to the modern. The complex is a great place to admire the architecture and take in the beauty of the site.
7. Enjoy the Gardens: The Külliye of Mevlana is home to a variety of gardens, which are a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the site. The gardens are filled with plants and flowers, and are a great place to take a peaceful stroll.
8. Climb the Minaret: The Külliye of Mevlana is home to a minaret, which is a tall tower that was used to call people to prayer. The minaret is open to the public, and is a great place to get a bird’s eye view of the complex.
9. Visit the Library: The Külliye of Mevlana is home to a library, which contains a collection of books related to the life and teachings of Mevlana. The library is open to the public, and is a great place to learn more about the history of the site and the life of Mevlana.
10. Attend a Lecture: The Külliye of Mevlana is home to a lecture hall, which hosts lectures and seminars related to the life and teachings of Mevlana. The lectures are open to the public, and are a great place to learn more about the history of the site and the life of Mevlana.
Visiting the Külliye of Mevlana in Konya, Turkey is a great way to learn more about the life and teachings of Mevlana, as well as to admire the beauty of the site. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience, a place to shop, or a place to learn, the Külliye of Mevlana has something for everyone.