About Konya

Konya Unveiled: Whirling Dervishes, Stone Villages & the Soul of Rumi

Every December, the city of Konya in Turkey comes alive. Streets echo with the sound of reed flutes, glow with green lights, and swell with crowds gathered for a unique occasion: the Whirling Celebration of Rumi, marking the anniversary of Jalal al-Din Rumi’s union with the eternal Beloved.

During these days, Konya is not just a tourist destination; it is a spiritual experience. Traveling to Konya for this celebration is a journey into poetry, music, and meditation.

The Mevlana Museum: Konya’s Beating Heart

At the heart of the city lies its most iconic attraction: the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. Its turquoise dome shines from afar, sheltering a sacred resting place that for centuries has drawn pilgrims, mystics, and travelers into silence and reflection.

Here, the sound of the ney (reed flute) mingles with the scent of sandalwood under the golden glow of sunset. Visiting this site is not only a key part of a Konya tour but also an inner journey to self-awareness.

The Sema Ceremony: Spinning in the Endless Circle of Love

One of the most mesmerizing experiences in Konya is witnessing the Sema Ceremony. In the Mevlana Hall or a traditional local tekke, white-robed dervishes whirl, each turn a symbol of liberation and unity with existence.

Experiencing this ceremony during Rumi’s celebration is one of Turkey’s most profound cultural encounters, drawing thousands of spiritual travelers to Konya every year.

Sille Village: A Timeless Stone Village with Local Flavors

Just a short drive from Konya, Sille Village preserves the charm of a bygone era with its stone-paved streets and traditional stone houses. The village also hosts a vibrant local market, where you can discover handmade crafts and local products. The highlight of any visit is enjoying a traditional lunch in one of Sille’s stone restaurants, an experience that brings the flavors and atmosphere of the village to life.
Sille is a serene paradise for photography enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone seeking a genuine slice of Konya’s heritage.

Konya Butterfly Garden & Cultural House: Color, Sound, and Life

For a lighter, nature-focused experience, the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden is a lush sanctuary home to hundreds of butterfly species, a tropical haven in the heart of the city.

At the Konya Cultural House, explore local handicrafts, traditional music, and the vibrant art of the city’s people, a living blend of history and daily life.

Wanderlux Rumi Celebration Tour: From Awareness to Serenity

At Wanderlux Journeys, we’ve designed a special tour to experience the Whirling Celebration of Rumi in Konya: a five-day journey guided by expert Rumi scholars and music therapists, staying in boutique hotels, and participating in group Sema dance workshops.

If you are captivated by Rumi’s poetry, philosophy, and life, this is a journey crafted for you.