Northern Nicosia contains most of the old city of Nicosia and what this means is that here; you can see a good number of ruins and museums that depict the cultural and religious heritage of the city.
There are several museums in the city and one of these is the Mevlevi Museum in Nicosia – Northern Cyprus.
Location
The Mevlevi Museum in Nicosia – Northern Cyprus is situated along Girne Cadessi, at the northern section Nicosia where the old city is located.
Getting There
The old parts of Northern Nicosia can be easily reached on foot from the city center. If you do not prefer to walk towards the Mevlevi Museum in Nicosia – Northern Cyprus however, you can take a taxi which you can rent for the day.
Most tourists on the other hand, prefer to walk around the city as they can explore the sights at their own pacing; plus the city is small enough for a good walk.
What to See and Do
The Mevlevi Museum in Nicosia – Northern Cyprus has exhibits on the Mevlevi Islamic sect. Inside its walls, you can see the musical instruments used during ceremonial performances of the Whirling Dervishes.
You can view the old lute, the drums and the flute that were last used by the Whirling Dervishes inside the ceremonial hall where music and dance were performed.
The walls are likewise adorned by various photographs of the dervishes in their ceremonial garb, captured in various dancing and whirling poses.
The wooden floor of the museum is the original floor of the structure where the dances were held so you are actually stepping on quite a historical wooden flooring.
On one side of the building, you will find a domed hall where you can see the graves of the Whirling Dervishes.
Brief History
The Mevlevi Order was established by a poet who goes by the name of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Rumi believes that music and dance are the best expressions of the love for the Divine Power and traditional Muslims at that time found these dances rather vulgar.
Nevertheless, the Mevlevi Order had quite a few following and there are actually people who still practice the teachings of this religious sect.
Ceremonial halls were closed in the year 1925 which prompted the Order to move their base to Syria.
The Mevlevi Museum in Nicosia – Northern Cyprus was formally opened to the public in the year 2002. Every year, during the death anniversary of Rumi, the Whirling Dervishes perform their ritual inside the ceremonial hall, December 17 of each year.
Cost
Entry fee into the Mevlevi Museum in Nicosia – Northern Cyprus is about 5 Turkish liras.
Other Information
The Mevlevi Museum in Nicosia – Northern Cyprus is open from 9 in the morning up to 2 in the afternoon in the summer and 9 in the morning up to 1 in the afternoon and again at 2 in the afternoon up to 4:45 in the afternoon during winter.
