Post by Ken Mullins

(on the southwestern edge of the Central Anatolian Plateau, in Turkey) The city of Konya, one of the world's oldest urban centers, is surrounded by a fertile plain. Backed by the Bozkır Mountain on the west, it's enclosed by the central ranges of the Taurus Mountains to the south. Muhammed Celaleddin, founder of the Mevlevi Order known as the Whirling Dervishes, lived in Konya until his death in 1273. He was given the name Mevlana (Our High Master) by his followers. The land on which the convent lies was once a rose garden belonging to Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, who gifted the area to Mevlana's father, Bahaddin Veled, who was later buried here. From that day on, this place became a popular destination for visitors. The building of the tomb began in 1274, after the burial of Mevlana beside his father. In 1396, the tomb was covered by a cone shaped dome decorated by exquisite turquoise tiles. The site has since become an institution. In 1926, the Mevlana Convent opened as a museum. The most interesting section of the museum is under the green dome where the sarcophagi of Mevlana and his son, Sultan Veled, stand. (On display are hand-written copies of the sayings and books about Mevlana and the Mevlevi Order, musical instruments, glass and wooden objects, carpets, and kilims.)