Edirne Mevlevihanesi to reopen after 101 years

The historic Edirne Mevlevihanesi, a 500-year-old structure, is scheduled to reopen to visitors on Friday, October 23, following a 101-year hiatus. The reconstruction project, initiated in 2024 under the direction of Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer, was carried out by the Edirne Governor's Environmental Protection Foundation.

To ensure historical accuracy, the project utilized historical records and old photographs to guide excavation, restoration, and landscaping efforts. The completed site now includes library facilities, workshops, administrative sections, and specialized rooms for cultural and spiritual discussions. Several areas within the complex have been named after prominent figures in the Sufi and cultural worlds, including Ahmed Neşati Dede and Professor Süheyl Ünver.

The Mevlevihane, originally part of the Muradiye Mosque complex built in the 15th century, served the Balkans for five centuries. The reopening ceremony is expected to include participation from Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and will feature cultural activities such as Sema performances.