Galata Mevlevi House

Galata Mevlevi House, the first one in Istanbul, was founded in 1491 during the reign of Bayezid II by Divane (Semai) Mehmed Dede, the Sheikh of the Afyon Mevlevi House. Established in the hunting lodge of Iskender Pasha on the ridges of Galata, the Mevlevi House is located at the beginning of the steep street heading to Yüksekkaldırım in Beyoğlu district.

Mevlevi Houses greatly affected the Turkish culture and have been institutions that fused music and science for centuries. So much so that many people in Mevlevi Houses were educated in every branch of fine arts and successfully made a name for themselves in their fields. Serving as a museum since 1975, Galata Mevlevi House consists of the ritual room, dervish cells, sheik's room, sultan's chamber, women’s section, library, a public fountain, timing room, kitchen, tombs, and treasury. Galata Mevlevi House is one of the most beautiful examples of 18th-century Baroque architecture with its octagonal design.

The Galata Mevlevi House stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul, embodying centuries of spiritual, artistic, and scholarly pursuits. Its establishment in 1491 under the patronage of Bayezid II marked the beginning of a profound influence on Turkish culture. Led by illustrious figures like Divane (Semai) Mehmed Dede, the Mevlevi Houses became renowned centers of learning, where individuals immersed themselves in various branches of fine arts and sciences.

Situated within the confines of the hunting lodge of Iskender Pasha atop the Galata ridges, the Mevlevi House has witnessed centuries of devotion and creativity. Its location at the threshold of the steep street leading to Yüksekkaldırım in the Beyoğlu district adds to its historical significance, inviting visitors to delve into its storied past.

Since its transformation into a museum in 1975, the Galata Mevlevi House has opened its doors to countless visitors eager to explore its diverse facets. From the sacred ritual room, where dervishes engaged in their mesmerizing whirling dances, to the serene tranquility of the sheik's room and the opulent splendor of the sultan's chamber, every corner of the Mevlevi House exudes an aura of reverence and contemplation.

The architectural marvel of the Galata Mevlevi House is perhaps most strikingly manifested in its octagonal design, a hallmark of 18th-century Baroque aesthetics. This architectural style, characterized by its ornate embellishments and grand proportions, elevates the Mevlevi House to a symbol of artistic mastery and spiritual transcendence.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Galata Mevlevi House houses a treasury of cultural treasures, including a library brimming with ancient manuscripts, a public fountain symbolizing the importance of communal gatherings, and a kitchen where meals were prepared with love and devotion.

As visitors wander through the labyrinthine corridors of the Mevlevi House, they are enveloped in a sense of timelessness, where past and present converge in a harmonious symphony of faith, art, and intellect. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Mevlevi tradition, which continues to inspire and captivate generations of seekers and scholars alike.