Whirling Dervishes Festival

Mevlana Festival

When: To be confirmed
Where: Konya, Turkey

The festival of the Whirling Dervishes commemorates the death anniversary of the 13th century Sufi saint Mevlana or Rumi as he was known. Rumi believed that communication with God was possible through dance and so was born the dance of the whirling dervishes with their swirling white flowing robes and black cloaks and conical headgear. It is a treat to watch them perform and go into trance like dance where the energy flow is truly palpable.

The Mevlana festival normally starts on 10 December and reaches its crescendo on 17 December when it ends on a spectacular note as on this day Mevlana's union with Allah is celebrated. Over one million people descend on the conservative town of Konya to take part in the festival. Be sure you make your bookings well in advance for both the festival as well as your accommodation.

Konya can be easily reached by road with regular bus services from other Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Antalya, Aksaray, Isparta, Ankara, Izmir, and Nevşehir (Cappadocia).

There are high-speed trains running between Ankara and Konya. There is also the Inner Anatolia Blue Train, a night train between Istanbul and Konya.

Turkish Airlines has several flights each day from Istanbul to Konya Airport.

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