| The city of Konya is an interesting balance of old and new. In Turkey it is regarded as a conservative Islamic city though on appearance it can also look relatively modern with its wide avenues, trams and European style buildings.
The city is most famous for being the spiritual home of the whirling dervishes, a sufi sect founded and headed by the mystic philosopher Celaleddin Rumi, or Mevlana. Rumi's philosophy of spiritual unity and universal love has earned him the reputation as one of the world's greatest mystics. His shrine is like a site of pilgrimage to thousands of devotees who visit the city every year. Konya also offers the charm of old, tiny antique shops and authentic bazaars add wonders to its atmosphere.
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