Situated in the heart of Konya, Turkey, the Mevlana Museum is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the country’s rich cultural history. The museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of the 13th-century Sufi poet, philosopher and theologian Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, and is home to a vast collection of artifacts, manuscripts and artwork. Visitors to the museum can explore the life and works of Mevlana and learn about the history and culture of the region. Here are 10 things to do in Mevlana Museum:
1. Explore the museum’s galleries: The Mevlana Museum has three main galleries, each of which is dedicated to a different aspect of Mevlana’s life. The first gallery is devoted to the poet’s life and contains a wealth of artifacts, manuscripts and artwork. The second gallery focuses on Mevlana’s teachings and contains a collection of manuscripts, books and other items related to his teachings. The third gallery is devoted to the history and culture of the region and contains a variety of artifacts, manuscripts and artwork.
2. Visit the tomb of Mevlana: The Mevlana Museum is home to the tomb of Mevlana, which is a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors alike. The tomb is located in the center of the museum and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
3. Attend a Sema ceremony: The Sema ceremony is a traditional Sufi ritual that is performed at the Mevlana Museum. During the ceremony, people gather to listen to sacred music and recite the poetry of Mevlana.
4. Visit the Mevlana Library: The Mevlana Library is located in the museum and contains a vast collection of manuscripts, books and other items related to Mevlana’s life and teachings. The library is open to the public and visitors can browse the collection and learn more about Mevlana’s works.
5. Shop at the museum’s store: The Mevlana Museum has a store that sells a variety of items related to Mevlana, including books, artwork, jewelry and clothing. Visitors can purchase souvenirs to take home with them.
6. Participate in a workshop: The Mevlana Museum offers a variety of workshops and classes, such as calligraphy and music classes, that visitors can participate in.
7. Visit the Mevlana Cultural Center: The Mevlana Cultural Center is located in the museum and offers a variety of activities and events related to Mevlana’s life and teachings. Visitors can attend lectures, seminars and other events at the center.
8. Visit the Mevlana Museum Cafe: The Mevlana Museum Cafe is a popular spot for visitors to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. The cafe offers a variety of traditional Turkish dishes and drinks.
9. Attend a poetry reading: The Mevlana Museum hosts a variety of poetry readings throughout the year. Visitors can listen to readings of Mevlana’s poetry and learn more about his life and works.
10. Take a guided tour: The Mevlana Museum offers guided tours of the museum and its galleries. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide visitors with interesting facts and stories about the museum and its artifacts.