Once upon a time, two dervishes were flying over Turkey, searching for an attractive place to rest. One of them found a suitable spot in the south: “Konalım MI?” (“Shall we land?”). His companion replied, “Kon ya!” (“Let’s land now!”). The dervishes liked the place so much that they decided to establish a city there. Later, the Sufi poet Rumi would live in this city—it was he who invented the famous whirling dervish dance. His son would go on to found the Mevlevi Sufi order, based on his father’s teachings.
Konya (Turkey)
In 1925, Atatürk banned all Sufi orders, but Konya remains an important place for dervishes to this day. Every December, followers of Rumi’s order hold a mass dance meditation to connect with God.
Despite its association with dervish culture, the people of Konya adhere to traditional Islam. Alcohol and tobacco shops are rare here, and the city has few bars or entertainment centers. Turks appreciate Konya for its peace and tranquility. Visitors are expected to respect Islamic norms and traditions. Women should dress modestly, and men are advised to avoid shorts, saving them for larger or coastal cities.
What to See?
Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum (Aziziye Mah, Mevlana Cd. No:1) – the city’s main landmark. The wooden tomb of Jalal ad-Din Rumi, one of the four great Persian poets and the inspiration behind the Mevlevi order, is adorned with unique patterns carved by Seljuk craftsmen over several years. The museum houses ancient manuscripts, musical instruments, and dervish clothing from different eras.
If you’re traveling through Turkey in December, be sure to visit Konya for the Şeb-i Arûz Festival (Whirling Dervishes Festival), held annually from December 7 to 17. For ten days, Sufis from around the world engage in meditative dance to the hypnotic rhythm of drums and the sound of the ney flute. According to the Mevlevi order, the Sama dance (performed by the dervishes) appeared at the same time as the universe and helps Sufis achieve unity with God. It is believed that divine love is bestowed not only on the dancers but also on everyone nearby. UNESCO recognizes the Sama ritual as a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage, and no other festival of this scale exists anywhere else in the world.
The center of Konya preserves original Seljuk architecture from the 11th to 13th centuries. Take a walk through the old town and admire the turquoise roofs and lavender minarets.
The Selimiye Mosque (Mevlana Cad. Mevlana), built in the 16th century by Sinan, is the sister mosque of Selimiye in Edirne. The minbar (pulpit) from which the imam delivers Friday prayers is modeled after one of the towers above Mevlana’s mausoleum.
How to Get There?
A plane ticket from Istanbul costs around €20, and the journey takes an hour and a half. A bus from Antalya (Otogarı bus station) takes about 7 hours and costs €10. This is the fastest and cheapest way to reach Konya. Direct buses also run from Istanbul and Izmir; from Adana, you can take a train to Konya.
Konya and Hotels
Konya: A City Where Time Stands Still
Konya is a city that captivates with its uniqueness, where ancient legends intersect with modernity. Here, the mystical dances of dervishes coexist with everyday life. Every stone in this city remembers the Seljuk era, every street is imbued with Rumi’s poetry, and every sunset reminds one of eternity.
When you arrive here, it’s not just a visit to a tourist destination—it’s an immersion into a world where spirituality is alive, not static. Konya doesn’t try to impress with luxury or the grandeur of big cities. Instead, it offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and experience the unique tranquility that arises where people’s hearts have sought divine connection for centuries.
This ancient region of Anatolia remains true to its traditions despite modern challenges. Perhaps its greatest value lies in this stability—being an island of calm in the endless hustle of our world.
