Antalya Mevlevi Lodge Museum

About

Antalya Mevlevi Lodge Museum is located in Kaleiçi, in the Muratpaşa district of Antalya. The Seljuk-period building has no inscription, but it is believed to date from 1255 and to have served as a Mevlevi lodge from the 16th century; it is also thought to be one of the first four Mevlevi lodges established in Anatolia. The museum is a group of buildings comprising the lodge, a bath and the tombs of Zincirkıran Mehmet Bey and Nigar Hatun. The domed main hall was used for sema ceremonies, and the six rooms beside it housed dervishes. Information panels, reconstructions, garments and Mevlevi objects are on display. The bath, thought to have been built in the 13th century for private use, served the lodge in Ottoman times. The tomb dated 1377 holds Mehmet Bey, nicknamed "Zincirkıran" (Chain Breaker) because he took Antalya by breaking the harbour chains. Mesnevi readings, Sufi music recitals, seminars and sema ceremonies are also held here.