KONYA

We left our Cappadocia hotel bright an early for Konya, with a stop along the way at the Sultanhan Caravansary.  It was built in the 13th century, and is the largest caravansary in Anatolia.  It is also huge -- 1.2 acres inside the walls.

 If we had had more time, we could have taken a carriage ride...

But we went, instead, in the bus to Konya.

We came to Konya to see the burial site of Rumi, the poet-philosopher-religious leader who founded the whirling dervishes.  Before modern Turkey, acolytes would apply to join the order by moving into a brotherhood and living among the brothers, following the tenets of Rumi for years before applying for acceptance.  In the modern world that is no longer possible, so the foundations described in connection with our observance of the whirling dervish practice must suffice. 

Konya, being the city where Rumi developed his religious practice, is the worldwide center of whirling dervish practice.  Each year more than 4000 adherents, men and women, visit Konya to practice together at the huge convention center. 

 But we were there to visit the extensive grounds of Rumi's tomb.  It is located inside the domed building below.  Naturally, no pictures allowed. 

 Next to the tomb building is a building devoted to the artifacts and description of the Rumi practice in his own time. 

  After our visit we had a brief walk around the center of town.  We saw the latest in cell phone technology -- coin operated charging stations, complete with appropriate cables for any type of phone. 

 And Tom discovered the best way to get to know the locals -- get a shoeshine!  This gentleman not only shined Tom's shoes, but provided him with slippers to wear during the process, and tea. 

 Than back to the bus, and off to our hotel. 

The next day we were off to Antalya.