Experiences
“Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.” - Mevlana
The core structure of the Mevlana Lodge is the tomb of Mevlana. The mausoleum was built in 1274. Although it is stated in the sources that a lodge was built next to Mevlana's tomb right after his reunion with God, these structures have not survived until today. Other structures of the lodge, semahane, masjid, dedegan cells, kitchen and fountain were built in the 16th century.
After Mevlana's death, his close friend and clerk, Çelebi (Chelebhi) Hüsameddin, became a disciple to those who followed his teachings. After the death of Çelebi Hüsameddin, Mevlana's eldest son Sultan Veled became the head of the community. Ever since then, the Mevlevi order has been presided over by a Makam Çelebi elected from among Mevlana’s offspring.
Mevlevi order spread first in cities such as Afyon, Kütahya, Muğla, İstanbul, Tokat, Erzincan, and then in the region from the Balkans to the Hejaz Peninsula, and Mevlevi lodges (Mevlevihanes) were opened. Mevlevihanes have always served as sort of conservatories or art academies while giving education on Hz. Mevlana’s teachings along with theology and literature.
Konya Mevlana Lodge now holds the status of a museum, as ordered by Atatürk.
