Mevlevihane Urfa
Historic 18th-century Mevlevi lodge in Şanlıurfa, now an active mosque with a rich spiritual and architectural heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience a sermon
Mevlevihane Urfa
Best Time
Experience a sermon
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 18th-century Mevlevi lodge in Şanlıurfa, now an active mosque with a rich spiritual and architectural heritage.
"A place of deep spiritual resonance and historical significance, offering a glimpse into the Mevlevi Order's legacy."
Check Opening Hours
Doors may be closed outside of prayer times. Confirm schedules beforehand to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Modest Dress Required
Cover shoulders and knees. Headscarf recommended for women. :womaninturban:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mevlevi Lodge Architecture
Main building
Explore the historic 18th-century architecture of the former Mevlevi lodge, now a mosque.
Spiritual Atmosphere
Prayer hall
Experience the serene ambiance, especially during prayer times or if you're lucky enough to catch a zikr.
Adjacent Bazaar
West side of the building
Discover the restored former butcher's market, now a souvenir shop, adding to the historical context.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Attire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Hours
Doors may be closed outside of prayer times. Confirm schedules beforehand to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Modest Dress Required
Cover shoulders and knees. Headscarf recommended for women. :womaninturban:
Observe Zikr Performances
Catching a Mevlevi zikr (spiritual chanting) offers a unique cultural experience. :musical_note:
Cleanliness Concerns
Some visitors note cleanliness issues with carpets and surroundings. :face_vomiting:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Hours
Doors may be closed outside of prayer times. Confirm schedules beforehand to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Modest Dress Required
Cover shoulders and knees. Headscarf recommended for women. :womaninturban:
Observe Zikr Performances
Catching a Mevlevi zikr (spiritual chanting) offers a unique cultural experience. :musical_note:
Cleanliness Concerns
Some visitors note cleanliness issues with carpets and surroundings. :face_vomiting:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mevlevihane Urfa is appreciated for its historical significance as an 18th-century Mevlevi lodge, now functioning as a mosque. Visitors often find the spiritual atmosphere and the opportunity to witness prayer services or zikr performances to be particularly moving. The restored adjacent bazaar adds to the historical context and offers a place for souvenir shopping. However, some reviews point out concerns regarding the cleanliness of the carpets and surrounding areas.
"A mosque in Urfa with great history."
Muhammed Abdullah
"This Mevlevi lodge, which is one of the oldest addresses of Mevlevi order in Şanlıurfa, was built as a social complex, and after the closure of lodges and zawiyas in the early periods of the republic, it remained dysfunctional for a while and was then used as a warehouse and market. In the 1970s, the surviving part of the semahhane was repaired and converted into a mosque.
Then, in recent years, the shacks around it used as a market were cleaned and the covered market in the southwest was subjected to a comprehensive restoration."
Mustafa akgül
"I came to the mosque for Friday prayers on 26.07.2024, the teacher completed the sermon by addressing the congregation without looking at the paper, a sight we cannot see in most mosques, May Allah be pleased with you teacher 👏🏼 Also, while I was putting on my shoes in front of the shoe rack at the exit, someone called out, the carpet is so dirty that I stepped on it with my shoes, he said don't step on it with your shoes. The carpet is dirtier than the stone floor, it is so dirty 🤦🏻♂️ the atmosphere is very nice, but the mosque surroundings and the fountain need cleaning."
Fatih Taş
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mevlevihane Urfa is located east of Hashimiye Square in Şanlıurfa. It's easily accessible by local transport or a short walk from the city center. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with exploring the nearby bazaar. 
Yes, it's situated near Hashimiye Square and the old butcher's market, which has been converted into souvenir shops. This makes it easy to explore multiple historical sites in one go.
From Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle to the city center, and then proceed to Hashimiye Square. The journey typically takes around 45-60 minutes.
While direct parking at the Mevlevihane itself might be limited due to its central location, there are public parking areas available around Hashimiye Square.
If you are staying in the central areas of Şanlıurfa, walking to Mevlevihane Urfa is a pleasant option, allowing you to soak in the city's atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Mevlevihane, which functions as a mosque, is generally free. However, donations are always appreciated to help with its upkeep.
As it's an active mosque, it's primarily open during prayer times. It's advisable to check local schedules or inquire nearby for specific visiting hours, as it may be closed outside of these.
The adjacent bazaar, now filled with souvenir shops, is generally open to the public and does not typically have an entrance fee.
During religious holidays, the mosque will be open for prayers, but it might be more crowded. Special events or ceremonies might also take place.
The main restriction is that it's an active place of worship, so visiting outside of prayer times might not be possible.
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
Built in the 18th century, it was a lodge for the Mevlevi order. After lodges were closed, it was converted into a mosque, preserving its historical and spiritual legacy.
Yes, you can attend the daily prayers. If you're fortunate, you might witness a Mevlevi zikr (spiritual chanting) performance, which is a significant cultural experience.
Modest attire is required. This means covering shoulders and knees. Women are advised to wear a headscarf.
Basic facilities like shoe racks are available. However, some reviews mention that the cleanliness of carpets and surrounding areas could be improved.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to be discreet and respectful, especially during prayer times. Avoid flash photography.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, the area around Hashimiye Square and the adjacent bazaar offers numerous local eateries and restaurants serving traditional Şanlıurfa cuisine.
The restored bazaar adjacent to the Mevlevihane is now filled with shops selling local handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs.
Absolutely! The vicinity is known for its culinary delights, including Urfa kebab, çiğ köfte, and local stews.
You'll find several traditional Turkish cafes in the area where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and relax.
The 'old butcher's market' was a historical market adjacent to the Mevlevihane. It has been restored and now houses souvenir shops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a good opportunity to discuss the history of the Mevlevi Order and the significance of mosques in a respectful manner. Ensure children are dressed modestly and understand the need for quiet behavior inside the prayer area. 🕌 Spiritual Seekers
+1 The historical context of the lodge as a center for Sufi practice adds another layer of depth to the visit. Reflect on the teachings of Rumi and the philosophy of whirling as a form of meditation. 🏛️ History Buffs
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Mevlevihane Urfa
Following the closure of dervish lodges in the early years of the Turkish Republic, the building experienced a period of disuse, serving variously as a warehouse and market. However, its historical importance was recognized, and in the 1970s, the surviving semahane was repaired and repurposed as a mosque, allowing for continued worship and preservation. More recently, comprehensive restoration efforts have revitalized the adjacent bazaar area, transforming the former butcher's market into a vibrant space for souvenir shops, further integrating the historical site with the modern city.
Today, the Mevlevihane functions as an active mosque, offering visitors a glimpse into both its past as a Mevlevi center and its present role in the community. The architecture itself, with its characteristic dome and layout, speaks to the era and the order it once housed. Experiencing the serene atmosphere, especially during prayer times or if a zikr is being performed, provides a profound connection to the site's enduring spiritual legacy.
+1Experiencing Mevlevihane Urfa Today
+1 The serene atmosphere within the prayer hall is often highlighted by visitors, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling city. The architectural elements of the 18th-century lodge are also a significant point of interest. The building's design, including its dome and layout, reflects the historical context of Mevlevi architecture. While the interior is primarily dedicated to prayer, the exterior and the surrounding restored bazaar offer ample opportunities for appreciation. The adjacent market, formerly a butcher's area, has been transformed into a lively hub for souvenir shops, allowing visitors to find local crafts and mementos.
+1It's important for visitors to be mindful of the site's primary function as a place of worship. Modest dress is essential, with shoulders and knees covered, and women are advised to wear a headscarf. While the spiritual ambiance is a major draw, some reviews have noted that the cleanliness of the carpets and surrounding areas could be improved, which is something to be aware of.
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