Konya, Turkey
This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet.
—Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207–1273), Persian poet and mystic
The Sufi poet Rumi was so absorbed with his love for the Divine that he danced through the streets of medieval Konya, praying and whirling in ecstasy. Today, in the heart of this conservative city located three hours (by car) south of Ankara, the turquoise dome of Rumi’s mausoleum rises rapturously toward the heavens, and its ornate interior pulsates with ethereal beauty, while, over the city’s din, the muezzin calls out adhān (call to prayer).
Whether you yearn to deepen your love for the Divine or to see Rumi’s resting place, the Green Dome, now known as the Mevlâna Museum, is a sight to behold. The mausoleum’s towering walls, adorned with enameled reliefs and Islamic script, encircle the gold-draped tomb of Mevlâna (Our Guide), as Rumi is called by the Whirling Dervish sect he inspired. An adjoining room displays ancient manuscripts, prayer beads, musical instruments, and other artifacts.
Read Rumi’s poetry and reflect on the twirling meditation that Rumi practiced to empty himself of ego in order to dwell on thoughts of the Divine. Feel your footsteps grow lighter as devotional love fills your heart.
Thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims visit the Green Dome annually, many on December 17, the anniversary of Rumi’s death—his “wedding night with God.” Islam followers place their foreheads on and kiss the silver step of Rumi’s shrine.