Our patron saint the Exalted Mevlana lived most of his life and is buried in the City of Konya in central Turkiye. Every year thousands of people from all over the world visit Mevlana’ s tomb; they have heard something of his words of love and unity, and come in pilgrimage seeking what pilgrims always seek. Mevlana himself had this to say: ” Whoever comes to my tomb with a pure hear t is both the visitor and the visited.” Mevlana lives in the hearts of those who love him, who love peace and brotherhood. On Friday night, 28 September 2001, 90 of our members and friends boarded 2 busses and set out from Istanbul for Konya. Throughout the night we sang hymns, had a chance to chat with those we might not see frequently, listened to music, and enjoyed the anticipation. We reached Konya about 8:00 in the morning and as is custom, first paid our respects at the memorial tomb of Shams of Tabriz. Although Shams and Mevlana were one in spirit, in name Shams was the spiritual master and Mevlana his disciple; thus courtesy requires a visit to Shams first. Arrangements had been made for breakfast, and after eating and freshening up, we walked to the sight of Mevlana\rquote s tomb. Strains of the reed flute fill the air inside the building, and tombs of masters and dervishes of the Mevlevi Order line both sides of the way. Three tombs together: Mevlana’s father, Sultan-ul Ulema, Mevlana himself, and his son, Sultan Veled. After a short prayer we separated from the crowd of visitors, regrouped outside, and walked to the cemetery known as “Ucler Kardes” (Three Brothers). Through a strange sea creature they learned of the greatness of Mevlana, and later their devotion to him was made manifest by their tombs turning toward Mevlana’s, not toward Mecca. We went by bus to the outskirts of town to the tomb of Mevlana’s one time cook, Ates Bazi Veli, known for his pure and absolute faith. After that we went up to the wooded hills of Meram where Mevlana and his followers spent much time in relief from the summer heat. Some members of our choir had brought their instruments and first of all they played the music of a Sema Ceremony. emdash certainly this is the way Mevlana would have wanted to be commemorated. We then went back down to the city to visit again to Mevlana’ s tomb at the museum’ s closing. This time Hasan Çıkar led us in a short litany and prayers. It is we who keep the spirit of Mevlana alive by striving to live according to his words and thoughts of love and unity}}
