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:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 30 reviews
Type
Mosque
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
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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.
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