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Museums #7 in Afyonkarahisar

Sultan Divani Mevlevihanesi Museum

4.7 · 1,054 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Sultan Divani Mevlevihanesi Museum, Mevlana Mh., Zaviye Türbe Cd., 03100 Afyonkarahisar Merkez/Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye
Interesting facts
1

Sultan Divani was the 7th-generation grandson of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.

2

The complex includes a dedicated section for 'çilekeş' dervishes who underwent the 1001-day isolation ritual.

3

The lodge contains an original collection of historical Mevlevi musical instruments, including the ney flute and kudüm drums.

4

It is historically significant for being the first lodge to introduce the practice of 'çile' (spiritual retreat) outside of Konya.

5

The museum exhibits rare handwritten Qurans and calligraphic panels created by local dervishes.

Overview

Sultan Divani Mevlevihanesi is a historical Mevlevi lodge in Afyonkarahisar that served as a center for the Mevlevi order following Konya. The complex houses the tomb of Sultan Divani, a prominent 16th-century dervish and descendant of Rumi. The site functions as a museum displaying artifacts related to Sufi culture, including musical instruments, calligraphic works, and dervish ceremonial attire. Its architecture features traditional Ottoman woodwork and a central semahane where ritual dervish dancing took place. The site underwent significant restoration to preserve its historical structural integrity. It is considered the second most important Mevlevi lodge in Türkiye after the primary site in Konya.

Photo spot

The courtyard and the main entrance gate, which feature intricate traditional masonry and wooden carving details.

Insider tips

Walk through the garden area, which houses historic tombstones of former dervishes.

Inquire if the museum is currently screening documentaries on the Mevlevi whirling ceremony.

Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic Afyon neighborhood for traditional architecture.

What to avoid

Avoid speaking loudly, as the site is considered a place of spiritual reflection and contains funerary monuments.

Good to know

Typically closed on Mondays; check local listings for public holiday closures.

Etiquette

Dress modestly as a sign of respect for the religious nature of the site; remove shoes before entering the prayer or tomb areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1 hour
Best time to visit
Early morning to avoid heat and mid-day crowds, preferably during spring or autumn for comfortable weather.
Address
Sultan Divani Mevlevihanesi Museum, Mevlana Mh., Zaviye Türbe Cd., 03100 Afyonkarahisar Merkez/Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye
38.754, 30.534
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsSufi ceremonial clothing, historical musical instruments, and the tomb of Sultan Divani.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning to avoid heat and mid-day crowds, preferably during spring or autumn for comfortable weather..

The courtyard and the main entrance gate, which feature intricate traditional masonry and wooden carving details.

Close by you'll find Afyonkarahisar Castle, Afyonkarahisar Grand Mosque, Memorial Park.