In the bazaar district, where austerity is prevalent, the narrow alleyways all lead to the tekke (tomb) of Mevlâna, the dome of which is decorated with faience. A poet and the undisputed master of Islamic spirituality, Mevlâna (“our guide”) was born in 1207 and assassinated in 1273. He is now buried surrounded by his disciples in this former monastery which has been converted into a museum. Behind heavy silver-plated doors, pilgrims crowd around the holy cenotaph which is covered by thick velvet brocade. The atmosphere here is one of meditation and contemplation.