DAY 32 - KONYA

32) FRIDAY, 29 JULY 1977 : 259KMS. - KON YA

Today is my birthday. I am 29 years old!

Departure from late morning through the city TASUCU SILIFKE and crossings to the north along the KONYA - ANKARA.

From SILIFKE to MUT we enjoyed  stunning landscape while driving along the river valley. There is, however, some rock mountains or soil mass eroded by strong winds and have a look from distance like caves or storied commercial buildings with several floors. I wondered if  anybody  had ever  lived in those empty holes.

Turkish villages that we passed have characteristic blending with the nature of the terrain. The buildings have earthy colors alike as putty material used for construction might be soil from the surrounding hills. They were thatched with grass–like and not livable. They looked like unfinished houses, having  rectangular form with no high roof the same as usual houses but  looking more like match boxes . Most of the roofs are wooden shed thatched with leaves that look like Maple Leaf.  Probably people stay on the roof than living inside their houses.  There were less trees in the area but  mostly were open spaces in the middle of the scorching sun.

Mevlana Rumi's Mausoleum & Museum, Konya - Photo : Bing images search

Arrived in KONYA about 7.00 p.m., we walked around the city and found a restaurant for dinner.  There were many people walking  and we were approached by a group of 4-5 carpet and leather goods  sellers, they were all teenagers or in their early twenties. They invited us to go to the amusement park together. Many Turkish people go to work as industrial labors in many cities of Germany.  Most speak German well.  After working for a few years , they become financially strong and  most will return to comprise their career in Turkey.  This made it possible for us to understand each other well and have better communication with them everywhere in Turkey.

But I felt a bit  tired because of traveling, so I did not go with them.  TILO, however,  went with them alone and  came back to wake me up. They  invited  us to stay in one of the friends’ house because his parents were not at home. In the morning, we were also served  breakfast  at his home.  Fortunately, we always meet friendly people with good hospitality.

Mevlana Rumi's Mausoleum & Museum, Konya - Photo : Bing images search

The morgue of the Muslim saint MEVLANA KONYA area contacts with the mosque of the city. She was covered with green tiles Kirghiz very beautiful and is a museum as well.


Tonight , we have a full moon on my birthday at the age of 29 years but I did not celebrate anything.

Whirling Dervishes / Sufu or "Sema" dance - Photo : rehberim.net / Bing imahges search

Here in KONYA, it is known among Muslim pilgrims and visitors about the local festival (in December of each year ). It is important and interesting religious dance rotation by priests, like meditating for the peace of mind to its proximity to the Prophet.   

Whirling Dervishes performance in Konya - Photo : Bing images search

They would concentrate on turning around  themselves while moving in a circle slowly and then gradually speed up in accordance with the beat of drum accompanying their rapid rotation.

Whirling Dervishes performance in Konya - Photo : Bing 9mages search

Interesting You Tube of MEVLANA' DA SEMA

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