Konya - Mevlana Tekkesi

In the east of the old town of Konya stands the famous green conical roof which covers the tomb of the philosopher and theologist Mevlana Celaleddin. The roof has become a symbol of the town and the mausoleum is visited not only by tourists but also by countless Turkish pilgrims, who come to pay their respects to one of the country's greatest mystics. Anatolian villagers come in their thousands to pray at the tomb of the man Mevlana Celaleddin who was for many more than a philosopher and saint. His words are not just engraved on his own mausoleum but also on the tombstones of believers: "Do not seek our tombs on this earth - our tombs are in the hearts of the enlightened". The monastery, whose present layout dates from the 16th century, is entered through a gate and an impressive garden of fountains, trees and tombstones. Inside can be found not just Mevlana's sarcophagus, but that of his wife Kerra Hatun, his children Melike Hatun and Müzafferüddin Emir Ali Çelebi, plus the tombs of six dervishes, the so-called "Soldiers of Horasan", who came to Konya from Balkh with Mevlana. In addition the large complex houses a huge collection of artifacts belonging to the Mevlana Order, valuable carpets, metal and wooden objets d'art, musical instruments and books, most of which can be found in the former dance-hall, the monk's cells and the mosque. The grounds of the complex contain a bright blue marble fountain (1512) and more mausoleums. The museum itself has an ethnography section and also a library with over 1,700 manuscripts and 500 books.