Mevlevi tekke in Sarajevo

The Mevlevi tekke is a Sufi lodge in central Sarajevo with traditional Ottoman-style buildings and gardens. The complex includes meditation spaces and the Ebu Hajat spring, which provides water for daily use and ritual ablutions.

The lodge was founded in the late 15th century as a spiritual center for the Mevlevi Order, connected to Isa Bey Ishaković's arrival. Its establishment marked the beginning of a long spiritual tradition in the city.

The lodge hosts Sema ceremonies where dervishes perform spinning dances as an expression of spiritual devotion. These gatherings blend religious practice with music and poetry in a way you can witness during visits.

The site sits near the Miljacka River and is easy to reach on foot from the old town. Visit outside prayer times if you want to explore the rooms and gardens at a comfortable pace.

A small cave at the base of the hill once served as a retreat where dervishes spent 40 days in solitude. This hidden space was an important part of the order's spiritual training practice.