Konya Notes

Sultanhani Kervansaray

Kervansarays (or “caravan palaces”) were built to support the trade routes that ran through Turkey and Central Asia.  These large buildings were constructed along major roads spaced about one day’s journey apart from one another.  Within the fortified walls, merchants could rest, eat, and make repairs while remaining protected from the elements and bandits.  Stables were available for the caravan animals, a small mosque was often in the center of the compound to meet the spiritual needs of the traveler.  Think of it as a high-end medieval truck stop.

Trade is the lifesblood of empire.  The Selcuk Turks understood this well and financed the creation and maintenance of the kervansarays.  In addition to guards, there were cooks, blacksmiths, and imams routinely on staff.  Indeed, the Selcuks viewed trade as so essential that services were provided at the kervansarays free of charge, or at a very nominal price.  I thought I also remember hearing that the Sultan would sometimes replace injured animals or broken equipment free of charge (but don’t quote me on that).

The Sultanhani Kervanseray – restored in the mid-20th century – is an impressive structure.  The massive marble entryway is carved with ornate patterns.  A two-story mosque is in the central courtyard.  Curiously, the site seems to have maintained its initial purpose: a modern truck stop is across the parking lot from the kervansaray.

Note: Follow this link for another great Caravan Palace.

Rumi

Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī a.k.a. Mevlana Jalalu’ddin Rumi a.k.a. “Rumi” was a 13th Century philosopher, mystic and poet.  Born in what was the Persian Empire, his family moved west to the Selcuk Turk Sultanate settling in what is now the Turkish city of Konya.  His tomb and shrine continue to be a place of pilgrimage.  His teachings of tolerance continue to earn him admiration across faiths.

He is perhaps best known in the West for inspiring a sect that practices a form of meditation by spinning in place, a group commonly known as the “whirling dervishes”.  I make no pretense at expertise in this area.  I will let Wikipedia provide the details.

While our Fearless Leader gave us many details about the life of Rumi, I cannot pretend to recall the details or speak expertly about his life or role in history.  However, this visit planted a seed in my mind, making me more attuned to references to the philosopher.

This past November was a perfect example.  I was preparing dinner on Thanksgiving while listening to the radio.  While discussing the universal meaning of Thanksgiving, the speaker provided statements and arguments from historical figures and philosophers to support his point.  One quote went like, “If you are not offering praise and thanksgiving, you are stealing from the whole world.  You are a thief.”  The quote was attributed to Rumi.

• Kervansaray
• Konya
• Turkey