[These photos were taken in 2014.]

Konya, in central Anatolia, is known for its association with the Persian poet and mystic, Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī, or Rumi (1207 – 1273). Rumi spent much of his life here as a religious teacher and his tomb is housed inside the Mevlana Museum, the main attraction in the city. 

After his death, the whirling dervishes became associated with him, their performances still taking place year round and on the anniversary of his death. 

Book recommendations: Lonely Planet Turkey, Fodor's Essential Turkey, The Rough Guide to Turkey and The Spiritual Poems of Rumi: Translated by Nader Khalili.

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