Mevlana Museum: A Historical Look at the Home of the Whirling Dervishes
The Mevlana Museum, located in Konya, Turkey, is one of the most important cultural sites in the country. It is the home of the Mevlevi Order, a Sufi sect of Islam whose members are known as the Whirling Dervishes. The museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of the 13th-century poet and Sufi theologian, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. The museum houses many artifacts from the Mevlevi Order, including Rumi’s tomb, and serves as a place of pilgrimage for people of all faiths.
History of the Mevlana Museum
The Mevlana Museum was originally founded in the 13th century by Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, a Sufi mystic and poet. Rumi was born in 1207 in what is now Afghanistan, and moved to Konya in 1228. He founded the Mevlevi Order, which was dedicated to the study and practice of Sufism. The order was known for its mystical practices, including the whirling dance, which is still performed by members of the order today.
Rumi passed away in 1273, and his tomb was built in the Mevlana Museum in Konya. After his death, the Mevlevi Order continued to grow and expand, and the Mevlana Museum became a place of pilgrimage for people of all faiths. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Sultan Selim II declared the Mevlevi Order to be a state-supported institution. This allowed the order to flourish and the Mevlana Museum to become a major center of learning and culture.
Amazing Facts about the Mevlana Museum
The Mevlana Museum is a living testament to the life and teachings of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Here are some amazing facts about the museum:
• The museum is located in the same building where Rumi lived and worked.
• The museum houses many artifacts from the Mevlevi Order, including Rumi’s tomb.
• The museum also houses a library with over 10,000 books, manuscripts, and other artifacts related to Islam and the Mevlevi Order.
• The museum is home to the sema ceremony, in which members of the Mevlevi Order perform the whirling dance.
• The museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Turkey.
Things to Do at the Mevlana Museum
The Mevlana Museum is a fascinating place to explore the history and culture of the Mevlevi Order. Here are some of the things you can do at the museum:
• Visit Rumi’s tomb and pay your respects to the great Sufi mystic and poet.
• Explore the library and learn about the history and teachings of the Mevlevi Order.
• Participate in a sema ceremony and witness the whirling dance of the Mevlevi Order.
• Take a guided tour of the museum and learn more about the history and culture of Konya.
• Shop at the gift shop and take home a souvenir of your visit.
The Mevlana Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Mevlevi Order. From Rumi’s tomb to the library and the sema ceremony, the museum is an amazing place to explore and learn about the life and teachings of the great Sufi mystic.