Konya, one of Türkiye’s most important centers of Sufi heritage and spiritual culture, continues to preserve invaluable manuscript treasures associated with Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Located in the heart of the city, the Mevlana Museum houses one of Türkiye’s rarest collections of historical manuscripts, including some of the oldest known handwritten copies of Mevlana’s major works.
Among the manuscripts preserved at the museum are early copies of Masnavi, Divan-i Shams, Fihi Ma Fih, Mecalis-i Seb’a, and Mektubat. These works, recognized by UNESCO among the earliest manuscript copies attributed to Mevlana’s literary legacy, are included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
To ensure the long-term preservation of these manuscripts, the museum applies specialized conservation measures in accordance with international standards. Temperature and humidity levels are continuously monitored, while climate-control systems maintain stable environmental conditions within storage and exhibition areas.
Special preservation techniques are also implemented to protect the manuscripts from microbial damage and to prevent deterioration of paper, ink, and binding materials. Acid-free protective cases have additionally been prepared for each manuscript as part of recent conservation efforts.
The museum has also adopted advanced fire protection measures. Instead of water-based systems, gas-based fire suppression technologies are used in manuscript sections in order to avoid potential damage to the historical works.
Museum officials emphasize that these manuscripts represent not only literary works, but also an important part of the shared memory of humanity. Some of the preserved copies date back nearly eight centuries and are considered significant sources for the study of Seljuk-era bookbinding, illumination art, and the Konya manuscript tradition.
The inclusion of these works in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register reflects the international recognition of Mevlana’s intellectual and cultural legacy, as well as ongoing efforts to safeguard manuscript heritage for future generations.