Haci Bektasi Veli Museum Situated in the northern part of Cappadocia on the way to Kirsehir, the Town of Hacibektas and its Museum lie about a 45-minute drive from Nevsehir. Established by Haci Bektas-i Veli in the 13th century, this town is known as the center of the Bektasi Sect within Islam. Visitors can discover several well-preserved sites including a dervish lodge, a house for suffering, the Bestaslar (meaning five stones), and an ancient Cemevi. If you plan to visit in August, you can experience an international remembrance ceremony that offers a rare insight into the living customs of the order’s devotees. Tens of thousands of people travel from across Turkey and neighboring Balkan nations like Bulgaria and Albania to participate in the event, held annually from August 16th to 18th. Despite their diverse ethnic origins, the Alevi followers in Hacibektas share a deep sense of unity and devotion. This revered location is rich with cultural treasures waiting to be explored. The Hacibektas Dergah (Lodge), located in the heart of the town, was transformed into a museum in 1964. Upon arrival, visitors enter a spacious courtyard. To the right, the original buildings that once accommodated the dervishes who cultivated the land and the farm workers employed by the lodge remain visible. The Hacibektas Town Museum, situated in northern Cappadocia, is a favored spot for travelers exploring the area. This town, established by Haci Bektas-i Veli in the 13th century, is recognized as the birthplace of the Bektasi sect of Islam. The museum preserves a dervish lodge, called a dergah, alongside a suffering house known as a cilehane, and the Bestaslar or five stones. Additionally, an ancient Cemevi can be toured by visitors. In the month of August, guests have the chance to attend international remembrance ceremonies that highlight the enduring customs of the order’s adherents. Every year, tens of thousands of people from Turkey and nearby Balkan countries such as Bulgaria and Albania gather in Hacibektas for the event held between August 16 and 18. While the followers of the Bektasi sect share deep historical connections, Hacibektas demonstrates strong reverence for all Alevi followers regardless of their ethnic origins. The Hacibektas Dergah, situated in the town center, was converted into a museum in 1964. Visitors enter into a spacious courtyard where buildings once stood for the dervishes and agricultural workers; these structures have since been demolished and replaced by a wall. At the end of this wall stands the Ucler Fountain, representing the Creator, Muhammed, and Ali. In the second courtyard, guests can taste the sacred water from the Lion Fountain, which was gifted from Egypt in 1853. This courtyard also includes several facilities such as the asevi (communal kitchen), a pantry, a traditional bath (hamam), a guesthouse, a hall designated for sacred ceremonies called cem, and a pavilion where the lodge leader, the Dedebaba, welcomed visitors. The third courtyard is accessed through the final gate and houses the tomb of Haci Bektas Veli. To the right lie the graves of dervishes affiliated with the lodge, and directly ahead is a small mausoleum containing Balim Sultan and Kalender Sah. Before entering this mausoleum, visitors have the tradition of embracing a marble pillar located in the corner; if one can wrap their arms fully around it, they are considered to have a pure heart and intentions. The tomb was constructed by Seyhsuvar Ali, ruler of the Dulkadirogullari principality, after the passing of Balim Sultan in 1519. Additionally, visitors often pause at an ancient wishing tree located within this courtyard. Cilehane-Deliklitas Situated approximately 3 km east of the town, the Cilehane cave is believed to have been a place of reflection and meditation for Haci Bektas-i Veli, an esteemed figure in the Bektashi tradition. According to legend, passing through the rock opening inside the cave is said to cleanse the soul. The site features various attractions, including monuments honoring Haci Bektas-i Veli, Yunus Emre, and the Ozanlar (Bards), along with a theater that accommodates up to 5,000 visitors. The tomb of Mahsun-i Serif, a notable Turkish poet and composer who recently passed away, is also located here. Bestaslar Located 5 kilometers north of Civril, this site is marked by five large stones. Legend has it that these stones witnessed the truth of Haci Bektas-i Veli's teachings. This area is rich in Turkish folklore, featuring stories about Haci Bektas and various legends from the Cappadocia region. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Haci Bektasi Veli Museum, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via WhatsApp, and we will reply as soon as possible.