Konya: The historic Turkish city of the whirling dervishes

When imagining a trip to Turkey, most people think of famous spots like Istanbul, the beaches of the Turquoise Coast such as Bodrum, or the surreal scenery of Cappadocia.

However, for certain travelers, the top destination is Konya – a place that remains largely unknown to many across the globe.

Konya, located in central Turkey, attracts millions of tourists annually. With its lively bazaars, historical sites, and an efficient modern tram system that connects the city’s suburbs to its heart, it’s easy to see why.

It is also an important site for Islamic pilgrims.

Konya is widely recognized as the final resting place of the 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet Celaleddin Rumi (also known as Mevlâna). In addition to his fame as an Islamic scholar, Rumi founded the Mevlevi Order, the spiritual tradition of the Whirling Dervishes.

The dervishes, known for their spiritual dance of whirling that causes their flowing robes to spin with elegance, continue to practice today. While they can be seen in other parts of Turkey, Konya remains the epicenter of their traditions.

Their captivating “Sema” ceremonies, many of which welcome public attendance, make a trip to Konya an enriching experience. And there are numerous other attractions in the city that appeal to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

“Konya is inseparably linked to His Holiness Maulana,” says Kerem Polat, a 30-year-old whirling dervish from Konya who learned the sacred dances from his grandfather and began performing at the age of nine.

A revered destination for pilgrims

Polat notes that Konya was already an influential city long before Rumi's time. With a history that spans thousands of years, the city was ruled by the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Persians before becoming the capital of the Sultanate of Rum in the 11th century.

Originally from Balkh, now in Afghanistan, Rumi and his family are believed to have traveled to Konya, which by then had become a vibrant center for Islamic scholars and a place of great religious importance, according to Polat.

“Konya’s status as a sanctuary is evident… much like the holy cities of Mecca and Medina,” Polat shares with Dinogo. “We believe that Rumi’s arrival here was not by chance but guided by a divine sign.”

After completing his religious studies in Konya, Rumi began to inspire the scholars who gathered in the city. His teachings soon attracted a growing following, drawing people from distant lands.

“Large groups of people, including those from Roman lands, traveled great distances to meet Maulana and convert to Islam in Konya. For over 700 years, people have been coming to Konya for religious reasons,” he says.

Today, Konya continues to draw both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors. Key attractions include the Mevlana Museum, the Mevlana Cultural Center where the daily Sema rituals are held, and the stunning Alâeddin Mosque.

Abdullah Çetín, a photographer from Konya, believes that the region’s rich history is one of the main reasons the city continues to attract attention on the global stage.

“Konya is home to significant historical sites that reflect the story of human civilization in Anatolia,” he explains.

Hidden tunnel

These include Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site southeast of Konya, where archaeologists have uncovered a settlement that offers a remarkable window into how people lived 9,000 years ago.

Another significant location, the village of Sille, lies near the heart of Konya and has a history spanning 5,000 years. It was home to Greek-speaking communities as recently as the last century, with Rumi’s teachings of tolerance playing a key role in fostering harmony between Greek and Turkish locals.

Gevale Castle, an ancient fortress perched on a mountaintop northwest of Konya, is believed to predate Roman times and continues to reveal unexpected discoveries. In 2015, a secret tunnel, thought to be constructed by the Hittites around 4,000 years ago, was uncovered beneath the castle.

Despite Konya’s reputation as one of Turkey’s most religiously conservative cities, Çetín describes it as a laid-back place, largely influenced by Rumi’s teachings.

“It’s a peaceful, safe city where neighbors and friends share warm relations,” he says. “The people here continue to embrace Mevlana’s message of mutual tolerance.”

Whirling dervish Polat agrees, noting that Konya’s connection to Rumi has earned it the affectionate title of the 'City of Love.'

The pink lake

Konya also serves as a gateway to Lake Tuz, a large hypersaline lake about two hours northeast of the city. Known as Salt Lake, Tuz is famous for its diverse wildlife and the stunning pink hues its waters often display, making it a popular spot for Instagram photos.

Wildlife photographer Fahri Tunç, who grew up near Tuz and has spent countless hours photographing its wildlife, has been dedicated to raising awareness and improving environmental protection efforts at the lake, especially for endangered species like flamingos.

Tunç shares that the breathtaking scenes at Tuz, especially during sunset, created by the flocks of birds, are enough to captivate anyone who visits.

“When people ask me about Lake Tuz, I ask them one question: ‘Have you ever fallen in love?’ If they say ‘yes,’ I ask, ‘Have you ever visited Lake Tuz?’ If they say ‘no,’ I tell them, ‘That means you haven’t truly fallen in love, because first, you must experience this place.’”

Tunç mentions that although he has traveled to 34 countries to photograph birds or simply as a tourist, he is still deeply moved by the beauty of his home lake.

“You have to come and witness it for yourself,” he says. “At night, I stand by the water... and when I look at the surface, it’s like a mirror, reflecting the sky and the water perfectly. In my mind, I think, ‘Wow, how is this even possible?’”