Galata Mevlevi House Museum
Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum
Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum is a historic dervish lodge located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul and is currently open as a museum.
It was built in 1491 by İskender Paşa. During the Ottoman period, it was one of the most important centers of the Mevlevi order. It was used to spread the teachings of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the founder of the Mevlevi order, and to perform sema ceremonies. After the closure of dervish lodges and convents in 1925, the lodge remained empty for a while. In 1975, it was allocated to the Turkish Music Research and Application Group.
In 2005, it was converted into a museum by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The museum exhibits the clothing, musical instruments, manuscripts, and objects used in the sema ceremonies of the Mevlevi dervishes. Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum is a place that revives the spirit of Mevlanas saying ""Come as you are, come again"". It offers visitors a mystical experience. This museum, which welcomes thousands of local and foreign tourists each year, is a must-see for those who want to explore the cultural and historical riches of Istanbul.