The land of spirituality: Konya

By Susanne Gyger

Konya is a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and spirituality. Konya Mevlana Dervish Whirling has been a symbol of the city for years. It is a city located in the central region of Turkey and is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly as the home of the renowned Sufi philosopher and poet, Rumi. Some popular attractions in Konya include the Mevlana Museum, where Rumi’s tomb is located, the Karatay Medrese, a former theological school turned museum, and the Alaeddin Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Turkey.

Konya is also known for its traditional cuisine, including dishes such as etli ekmek (a kind of meat and bread dish), mantı (a type of dumpling), and baklava (a sweet pastry).

When traveling to Konya, it’s important to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites, and to be respectful of local customs and traditions. The city has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and trams, and taxis are also readily available. Konya is also well-connected by train to other major cities in Turkey.

History of Konya

Konya is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey, with a history dating back to at least 3000 BCE. Throughout its history, Konya has been ruled by a variety of civilizations, including the Hittites, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.

In the 11th century, Konya became the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, a Turkish state that emerged in Anatolia following the collapse of the Abbasid Caliphate. During this period, Konya became a center of Islamic scholarship and culture, and produced several prominent figures in the Islamic world, including the famous Sufi poet Rumi.

In the 13th century, Konya was conquered by the Mongols and later by the Mamluks, before falling under Ottoman rule in the 15th century. Under Ottoman rule, Konya continued to thrive as a cultural and economic center, and remained an important city in the region until the end of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century.

Today, Konya is the seventh-largest city in Turkey, with a population of over 2 million people. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Mevlana Museum (which houses the tomb of Rumi), as well as its traditional cuisine and textiles.

 

Culture of Konya

Konya has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its long history and diverse influences. The city is known for its Islamic heritage and Sufi traditions, as well as its cuisine, music, and architecture.

One of the most important cultural institutions in Konya is the Mevlana Museum, which houses the tomb of the famous Sufi poet Rumi, as well as a collection of artifacts related to his life and teachings. Rumi is revered in Konya and throughout the Muslim world for his poetry, which emphasizes love, devotion, and spiritual connection.

In addition to its Islamic heritage, Konya is also known for its traditional cuisine, which features a variety of dishes made with local ingredients such as lamb, bulgur, and yogurt. Some popular Konya dishes include etli ekmek (a type of flatbread topped with meat and vegetables), tandır kebabı (slow-cooked lamb), and baklava (a sweet pastry made with phyllo dough and pistachios or walnuts).

Konya is also home to several historic mosques and other buildings, many of which date back to the Seljuk period. These buildings feature intricate tilework, calligraphy, and other decorative elements that reflect the city’s artistic and architectural traditions.

Music and dance are also important aspects of Konya’s culture. The city is known for its traditional folk music, which features instruments such as the bağlama (a type of lute) and the zurna (a type of wind instrument), as well as its whirling dervish performances, which are based on Sufi rituals and involve spinning in a meditative trance.

 

The Daily Life of Konya

The daily life of people in Konya, Turkey is a mix of traditional and modern lifestyles. Like many cities in Turkey, Konya is rapidly developing and urbanizing, with modern amenities such as shopping centers, high-rise buildings, and public transportation.

However, Konya also retains many of its traditional cultural practices and customs. For example, it is common for people to pray five times a day and observe Ramadan (the Islamic month of fasting) in Konya, and the city has many mosques and other religious institutions.

Family is an important aspect of daily life in Konya, with many people living in extended families and placing a strong emphasis on familial relationships. It is also common for people to gather with friends and family for meals, often enjoying traditional Konya dishes such as etli ekmek or baklava.

Education is highly valued in Konya, with a number of universities and other educational institutions located in the city. Many young people pursue higher education and professional careers, while also balancing their social and family lives.

Overall, daily life in Konya is a mix of tradition and modernity, with people embracing both their cultural heritage and the changes brought about by globalization and urbanization.

What is sufism?

Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes the inner, spiritual aspects of the faith. Sufis seek to attain a direct, personal experience of the divine through practices such as meditation, prayer, and music.

The origins of Sufism are difficult to trace, but it is generally believed to have developed in the early centuries of Islam, as Muslims sought to deepen their understanding and practice of the religion. Sufis believe that the outward forms of religious practice are important, but that they must be accompanied by an inner, spiritual dimension in order to truly connect with God.

Sufis often use poetry, music, and dance as a means of expressing their devotion and connecting with the divine. One of the most famous Sufi poets is Rumi, who lived in Konya, Turkey in the 13th century and is revered in the Islamic world for his poetry on love, devotion, and spiritual connection.

Sufism has had a significant influence on Islamic culture and spirituality, and has also had an impact on non-Muslim spiritual traditions such as Christian mysticism and Hinduism. However, Sufism has also faced criticism and controversy within the Muslim world, with some orthodox Muslims questioning its adherence to Islamic law and doctrine.

What does dervish whirling mean?

Dervish whirling is a spiritual practice associated with the Mevlevi order of Sufism, which was founded by the Persian mystic Rumi in the 13th century. The practice involves spinning around in a meditative state as a form of worship and spiritual connection with God.

During a dervish whirling ceremony, participants (known as semazen) wear long white robes and tall hats (sikke) that represent the tombstone of the ego. The spinning itself is seen as a form of dhikr (remembrance of God), with the repetitive motion and accompanying music serving to focus the mind and quiet the ego.

The ceremony typically begins with recitation of prayers and poetry, and may include music played on traditional instruments such as the ney (a type of flute) and the duduk (a type of double-reed instrument). The spinning itself is usually accompanied by chanting and other vocalizations.

Dervish whirling is a central part of Mevlevi Sufism, and is seen as a means of attaining spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with God. The practice has become a symbol of Turkish culture and is often performed for tourists and visitors in Turkey.

Why dervshes whirl around?

During a dervish whirling ceremony, the participants, known as semazen, typically whirl around a central point in a circular motion. This central point is usually marked by a large, colorful rug or other object, and represents the axis around which the universe revolves.

The semazen themselves spin around the central point, with their arms outstretched and their right hand pointed towards the sky and their left hand towards the ground. This posture is known as the “whirling prayer” and is intended to symbolize the unity of all things in God.

As the semazen spin, they also perform a number of other ritual movements, such as touching their right foot to the ground and raising their left arm to the sky. These movements are intended to symbolize various aspects of Sufi spirituality, such as humility, gratitude, and surrender to God.

Overall, the dervish whirling ceremony is a highly symbolic and ritualized practice that seeks to create a deep spiritual connection with the divine. The spinning itself is seen as a form of meditation and a means of transcending the ego and attaining spiritual enlightenment.

Who is Mevlana?

Mevlana is the name given to Jalaluddin Rumi, a famous 13th-century Persian poet, mystic, and Islamic scholar who lived in the city of Konya in present-day Turkey. Mevlana, which means “our master” in Persian, is a title of respect and endearment that is still used today to refer to Rumi by his followers and admirers.

Rumi was born in Balkh, Afghanistan in 1207 and spent much of his early life studying Islamic law and theology. However, after encountering the wandering dervish Shams-e Tabrizi, he underwent a profound spiritual transformation and became a devotee of Sufism, a mystical form of Islam that emphasizes direct experience of the divine.

Rumi went on to become one of the most celebrated Sufi poets and mystics of all time, writing works such as the Masnavi and the Divan-e Shams, which explore themes of love, spiritual devotion, and the nature of God. He also founded the Mevlevi order of Sufism, which is best known for its distinctive practice of dervish whirling.

Today, Rumi is widely regarded as one of the greatest spiritual figures in Islamic history, and his poetry and teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world. The Mevlana Museum in Konya, Turkey, which houses his tomb and many artifacts related to his life and teachings, is a major pilgrimage site for Sufi Muslims and others who seek spiritual guidance.

 

Popular Destinations of Konya

MEVLANA MOSALEUM

The Mevlana Museum, also known as the Mevlana Mausoleum or the Rumi Mausoleum, is a shrine and museum located in the city of Konya, Turkey. The museum is dedicated to the memory of the famous Sufi poet and mystic, Jalaluddin Rumi, who lived in Konya in the 13th century and is widely regarded as one of the greatest spiritual figures in Islamic history.

The Mevlana Museum is housed in a large complex of buildings that includes Rumi’s tomb, a mosque, a seminary, and a library. The complex is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to pay their respects to Rumi and learn about his life and teachings.

The centerpiece of the museum is Rumi’s tomb, which is located in a large, circular chamber decorated with intricate tilework and calligraphy. The tomb itself is covered with a green cloth and surrounded by railings, and is a place of pilgrimage for Sufi Muslims and others who seek spiritual guidance.

In addition to the tomb, the Mevlana Museum also contains a number of exhibits and displays related to Rumi’s life and teachings. These include manuscripts, calligraphy, musical instruments, and other artifacts, as well as multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about Rumi’s philosophy and the history of Sufism.

Overall, the Mevlana Museum is a fascinating and deeply spiritual place that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and teachings of one of the greatest Sufi masters of all time. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Islamic spirituality, poetry, and culture.

KARATAY MEDRESAH

The Konya Karatay Medresah is a historic Islamic school located in the city of Konya, Turkey. It was built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Turks and is considered one of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture in Turkey.

The medresah is a rectangular building with a central courtyard, surrounded by a series of rooms and chambers for students and teachers. The exterior is decorated with intricate tilework and calligraphy, with geometric patterns and floral designs adorning the walls and arches.

Inside, the medresah features a large prayer hall with a mihrab, or prayer niche, and a pulpit where the imam would deliver sermons. There are also several smaller classrooms and lecture halls where students would study Islamic law, theology, and other subjects.

Today, the Konya Karatay Medresah has been converted into a museum, with exhibits and displays related to the history and culture of the Seljuk Turks and the city of Konya. These include calligraphy, ceramics, and other decorative arts, as well as historical documents, photographs, and other items.

Overall, the Konya Karatay Medresah is a fascinating and beautiful building that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Konya and the Seljuk Turks. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Islamic art and architecture, as well as the history of Turkey and the wider Middle East.

INCE MINARE MUSEUM

The Konya Ince Minare Museum is a historic building located in the city of Konya, Turkey. It was originally built as a mosque in the 13th century by the Seljuk Turks, but was later converted into a museum in the early 20th century.

The most distinctive feature of the Ince Minare Mosque is its minaret, which is unusually tall and slender and decorated with intricate tilework and calligraphy. The minaret is so tall that it was said to sway in the wind, hence the name “Ince Minare,” which means “thin minaret” in Turkish.

The mosque itself is also highly decorated, with ornate tilework, intricate carvings, and colorful stained glass windows. The interior features a large prayer hall with a mihrab, or prayer niche, and a pulpit where the imam would deliver sermons.

Today, the Ince Minare Museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Konya and the Seljuk Turks. These include calligraphy, ceramics, and other decorative arts, as well as historical documents, photographs, and other items.

Overall, the Ince Minare Museum is a fascinating and beautiful building that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Konya and the Seljuk Turks. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Islamic art and architecture, as well as the history of Turkey and the wider Middle East.

KONYA ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM

The Konya Ethnographic Museum is a museum located in the city of Konya, Turkey. It is housed in a historic building that was once the residence of the local governor, or bey, and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditional culture and way of life of the people of Konya and the surrounding region.

The museum’s exhibits are divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of traditional life in Konya. These include sections on clothing and textiles, household items and utensils, farming tools and equipment, and traditional musical instruments.

One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of traditional costumes, which feature colorful fabrics and intricate embroidery. There are also displays of traditional rugs and other textiles, as well as examples of pottery, metalwork, and woodworking.

The Konya Ethnographic Museum also features a collection of traditional musical instruments, including the saz, a type of long-necked lute that is commonly used in Turkish folk music. Visitors can listen to recordings of traditional music and see demonstrations of how the instruments are played.

Overall, the Konya Ethnographic Museum is a fascinating and informative museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional culture and way of life of the people of Konya and the surrounding region. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Turkish culture and history.

KONYA ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Konya Archaeological Museum is a museum located in the city of Konya, Turkey. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period.

The museum’s exhibits are divided into several sections, each focusing on a different period of history. The prehistoric section features artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic periods, including stone tools, pottery, and figurines.

The museum also has an extensive collection of artifacts from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, including sculptures, mosaics, and pottery. There are also exhibits on the Byzantine and Seljuk periods, showcasing the rich artistic and cultural traditions of these eras.

One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of Seljuk carpets and textiles, which are renowned for their intricate designs and fine craftsmanship. Visitors can also see examples of metalwork, ceramics, and other decorative arts from the Seljuk period.

Overall, the Konya Archaeological Museum is a fascinating and informative museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Its collection of artifacts and exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse cultures and civilizations that have shaped Konya and the wider region over the centuries.

KONYA ALAADDIN HILL

Konya Alaaddin Tepesi is a hill located in the center of Konya, Turkey. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike due to its historical and cultural significance, as well as its stunning views of the city.

At the top of the hill sits the Alaaddin Mosque, which dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest and most important mosques in Konya. The mosque is named after the Seljuk ruler Alaaddin Keykubad, who commissioned its construction.

The mosque is also home to the tomb of Alaaddin Keykubad, as well as several other important figures from the Seljuk period. Visitors can explore the mosque and its surrounding grounds, which offer breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the mosque, there are several other attractions located on the hill, including a park with walking paths and picnic areas, as well as a museum dedicated to the history of Konya.

Overall, Konya Alaaddin Tepesi is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Konya and the wider region. Its combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural attractions make it a unique and memorable destination for visitors to Turkey. You are welcome to discover Konya with Sunnova`s exclusive and boutique private tours. We provide free travel consultation if you are planning to visit Turkey. Please feel free to contact with our travel experts by filling out following link.