Cyprus Nicosia Mualevi Lodge, Mualevi and Mualevi Order

Kıbrıs Lefkoşa Mevlevihanesi, Mevlevilik ve Mevlâna

Abstract

Abstract

During the reign of Selim II (aka Selim the Yellow), the Ottoman Empire launched an expedition to Cyprus in 1571 upon the Venetians, disturbing the peace in the Mediterranean region and conquering the island. Following the conquest, as required by the Ottoman policy, new settlements were made in the conquered areas; the settlement of Turkmen from Anatolia in Cyprus was also achieved quickly. The people brought and settled from Anatolia continued maintaining their lifestyles with their customs, traditions, thoughts, beliefs, and culture. Along with other beliefs, especially Alevism and Bektashism, Muavlavism also had an essential place in Cyprus. The Muavlavi and Muavlavi Lodge, which have continued the traditions that Muavlana established and started in Konya until today, brought Muavlana with them as a product of dissemination by those who came to Cyprus from Konya. The foundation and spread of the Muavlavi order on the island, the acceptance and commemoration of Muavlana and the Mesnevi by the people took place in Nicosia in 1607, approximately a quarter of a century after the conquest, with the establishment of the "Mevlevihane" (Nuavlavi-house) on the left just beyond the "Kyrenia Gate," which was considered one of the critical entrance gates of Nicosia.

Keywords: Nicosia, Mualevi-house, Mualavi, Mualavi order