Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

Galata Mevlevihanesi, also known as Kulekapı Mevlevihanesi, is a historic Mevlevi lodge located in Istanbul, Turkey, with a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1491. It was initially built on the hunting grounds of İskender Paşa, the Beylerbeyi (Governor-General) during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II. The first sheikh of the lodge was Mehmed Semâ-i Çelebi. Over the centuries, the Mevlevihane played a significant role in integrating music with science, greatly influencing Turkish culture. Many people gathered around Mevlevihanes to study various arts and sciences.

The complex, situated in the Beyoğlu district at the top of the slope descending to Yüksekkaldırım, has undergone several restorations, particularly during the reigns of Sultan III. Mustafa, Sultan III. Selim, Sultan II. Mahmud, and Sultan Abdülmecid. The current structure mostly dates from the time of Sultan Abdülmecid, with the latest renovation completed between 1851-1859. The Mevlevihane continued its activities until 1925 and underwent further restorations between 1967-1972.

The complex includes a semahane (ritual hall), dervish cells, sheikh’s quarters, imperial lodge, a section for women, a library, a timekeeping room, a kitchen, mausoleums, and a treasury. The semahane, an octagonal building adorned with the 18th-century Baroque style, now serves as a museum showcasing Turkish musical instruments and artifacts related to Mevlevi culture. Manuscripts of divan poets and works by notable figures such as Şeyh Galib, İsmail Ankaravî, Esrar and Fasih Dede, and poet Leylâ Hanım are displayed in the upper section, separated by wooden grilles.

The museum, initially opened as the Museum of Divan Literature on December 27, 1975, was renamed the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum in 2011 after various restorations. The lower floor of the semahane building, previously the dervish cells, exhibits Mevlevi and other Sufi order items, while the upper floor features marbling artworks by Mustafa Düzgünman and calligraphy boards.

The mausoleums, including the Şeyh Galib Mausoleum and the Halet Said Efendi Mausoleum, contain the graves of significant historical figures associated with the Mevlevihane. The cemetery (Hazire) houses the graves of sheikhs, their spouses, musicians, poets, and other notable individuals like Humbaracı Ahmed Paşa and the founder of Turkey’s first printing press, İbrahim Müteferrika.

Currently, the museum is closed due to restoration works. For more information, you can contact them at 02122454141 or visit the museum at Galip Dede Cad. No:15, Tünel, 34220, Istanbul. The museum’s regular opening hours are from 09:00 to 18:30, with the ticket office closing at 18:00, and it’s closed on Mondays.

While visiting the museum, you can also explore nearby attractions in Beyoğlu, such as the iconic Galata Tower, Arap Mosque, and various sites along İstiklal Avenue, including the Taksim Atatürk Monument, Atatürk Cultural Center, numerous churches like St. Anthony’s, and museums like the Illusion Museum, Pera Museum, Pera Palace Atatürk Room Museum, Vedat Nedim Tör (Yapı Kredi) Museum, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, as well as landmarks like Narmanlı Han, Atlas Passage, Mısır Apartment, Çiçek Passage, Galatasaray High School, and Hüseyin Ağa Mosque.