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Kayseri city tour with argos cycling friend
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We love to share the hospitality and bycicle community feeling with this colage of the city tour that was given bij the friends of argos bycicling community. Thank you Mustafa Kemal Ulut for hosting the Rumi Trail in Kayseri |
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From Karaman to Konya: A Sacred Letter Delivered
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A Sacred Delivery: The Letter from Karaman to the Tomb of Mevlana
Of all the warm welcomes we received along the Rumi Trail, the hospitality of Ali Yağcı in Karaman stands as a profound highlight, transforming our journey from a physical challenge into a pilgrimage rich with meaning. From the moment we arrived, Ali Bey and his wife enveloped us in the highest form of Turkish hospitality, tending to our every need with incredible generosity. They provided comfortable hotels, arranged our transport, and fuelled our tired bodies with a wonderful dinner, ensuring we were completely restored.
But their gifts went far beyond the material. They guided us through the poignant Museum of Schools and showed us the deeply moving art paintings created for the children of Gaza, connecting our journey to a wider tapestry of empathy and human spirit. The most spiritually significant task, however, was entrusted to us by Ahmet Sağkaya Postnish of Mevlevis in Karaman. He gave us a sacred letter, written by the mother of Rumi, to carry from her home in Karaman to her son’s final resting place in Konya. This was no simple parcel; it was a spiritual charge, a connection across centuries. As we cycled the final leg, that letter in our possession imbued every pedal stroke with a profound sense of purpose. We were no longer just cyclists; we were messengers, woven into the timeless story of Rumi’s love and longing. Ali Yağcı and his wife supported us tremendously, gifting our adventure with a depth we could never have anticipated and memories we will carry forever.
In the quiet hours after the visitors have departed, when the Mevlana Museum stands still under the soft glow of twilight, a moment unfolded that we, the Rumi Trail Cycling Team, will carry in our hearts forever. It was not merely an act of cycling, but a spiritual calling—a task unlike any other. We set out from Karaman, a town deeply tied to Mevlana’s early life, to deliver a letter with a sacred mission: to bring the words to the tomb of Mevlana’s mother, the Ana who gave birth to the soul of a poet, a mystic, and a guide for countless seekers.
This was no ordinary journey. The letter, filled with gratitude and devotion, had been entrusted to us by the Postnish of Karaman, a respected elder who held it in reverence, knowing that its words belonged in the heart of Mevlana’s sanctuary. And so, we pedaled on, our wheels turning with purpose, our breaths mingling with the prayers of ancient paths leading us to Konya.
Arriving at the Mevlana Museum, the tomb of the beloved Mevlana stood silent in its grandeur. After visiting hours had passed, the museum became a place of deep stillness, where the whispers of the past could be heard more clearly. The dede Abdurrahman Nedim Karnıbüyükler, the keeper of the tomb, greeted us with a humble smile, his eyes reflecting centuries of wisdom. He accepted the letter with reverence, not as a simple message, but as a sacred offering to Mevlana’s lineage. He carried it into the tomb, and in the profound quiet of the empty museum, he read the letter aloud.
We were deeply grateful to Sema and Veyis Güngör, whose support made this sacred moment possible. It felt as if the universe itself had conspired to allow us entry—why else would the security open the doors so freely? It was only through the great respect for Veyis and Sema that we were able to deliver the letter in such a perfect manner.
In that moment, we stood humbled by the gravity of our task. To be part of this sacred exchange—connecting our humble journey with the heart of Mevlana’s spiritual home—was an honor that words can scarcely express. It was a reminder that the journey is not just about the roads we travel or the destinations we reach. It is about the love, devotion, and the unseen connections that heal us along the way. A historical moment, 750 years in the making—one letter, from mother to son.
As the Rumi Trail Cycling Team, we carry this experience as a blessing—a reminder that even in the quietest moments, when the world stands still, Mevlana’s presence is alive. Through every pedal, every breath, we are connected to that timeless energy of love and wisdom that continues to whisper in us.
We are humbled by the privilege of delivering that letter. Cycle to the light.
News on instagram @karamansende |
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Erciyes University
Erciyes University: A Day of Learning and Connection
Our visit to Erciyes University in Kayseri was a true highlight, beautifully organized by Burhanettin Carlak and warmly hosted by Professor Ümer and Nihat. From the moment we arrived on the vast campus, we felt genuinely welcomed. A wonderful poster announced our lecture, and Sedat took the stage to share insights about creating cultural routes and his experiences along the Sufi and Rumi Trails.
The hall filled with students and faculty, whose enthusiasm and thoughtful questions made the session truly inspiring. Discussions ranged from tourism potential to the importance of safe and familiar routes — all topics close to our hearts.
At the end, we were honored with diplomas, a kind gesture that reflected the university’s generous spirit. We thank Erciyes University, its professors, and students for their warmth, curiosity, and impeccable organization. It was a memorable day of shared ideas, friendship, and future possibilities. |
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Roelant Meijer: Sufi Portraits in İzmir
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We are thrilled to share the news of Roelant Meijer’s latest exposition in İzmir, where his extraordinary series “Sufi Portraits”—born from his long‑term journey along the Sufi Trail—is now on full display. This body of work captures the human spirit, culture, and pilgrimage route that we so deeply admire.
Roelant’s Sufi Portraits take their inspiration from his walking pilgrimage along the Sufi Trail in Turkiye, beginning in Istanbul and concluding in Konya, a route that passes through sites of Sufi heritage and spiritual pilgrimage. On his website he writes:
“Sufi Trail is an 800‑kilometre pilgrimage route in Turkey, starting in Istanbul and following old hajj roads that extend toward Mecca and Jerusalem, ending in Konya at the tomb of Rumi.” (Roelant Meijer)
He further describes how, on this journey, he offered people cards bearing quotes of Rumi (in both English and Turkish) and took portrait photographs with them:
“I offered them a quotation card… then I took a portrait photo of them with their chosen card. I described our meeting in the caption on Instagram.” (Roelant Meijer)
The İzmir exposition brings those moments into a physical gallery space—each portrait a meeting, each card a connection, each image a story of movement, meeting, pilgrimage, and reflection. It’s more than photography; it’s an invitation to reflect on what it means to walk, to cycle, and to meet others on the road.
Roelant’s Instagram (@roelantmeijer) offers additional glimpses of his journey—behind‑the‑scenes shots, excerpts from the trail, and updates about his exhibitions. His website’s bookshop features the Turkish edition of “Walking with Rumi” (Turkish title: Rumi ile Yürümek), which complements the visual work on display:
“Walking with Rumi is a portrait of a pilgrimage… this edition in Turkish captures meetings, human warmth, and what we can share, even across cultural boundaries.” (Roelant Meijer)
We encourage you to explore his website and Instagram for more insight, and if you have the chance to visit the expo in İzmir—don’t miss it. It’s a heartfelt, gentle and powerful celebration of travel, connection, and the human soul.
In closing: Roelant Meijer’s Sufi Portraits show us that the trail isn’t only the path beneath our feet or tires—it’s every person we meet, every card we exchange, and every story we share. We deeply admire his persistence, his vision and the beauty of his work. May it continue to inspire all of us to walk, to cycle, to meet—and to connect.
Your change to get a copy of the Turkish edition |
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Golden Honey, Timeless Hospitality
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RUMI’s land of milk and honey
Four years ago, we were incredibly pampered by Burhanettin's parents in Özvatan. This year, they were in the Netherlands for a wedding, so professors, the mayor, fellow students, and special people from Özvatan were all put on high alert by Burhanettin. Well, it turned into a huge party! From the moment we rolled in until we climbed out of the Özvatan Valley, we were spoiled with a roaring fire, accommodations, food, incredibly delicious honey, a good time, and of course, the unmissable photo sessions with the mayor. You can read the story of the day on our Polarsteps:
The honey apparently derives its aroma from the dragon flowers in this region, which increases its proline content. We just heard that Eskişehir took first place. But the honey we tasted—that taste is unforgettable.
We are very grateful to Burhanettin and all the friends and people from Özvatan who bring the Rumi Trail to life with its vibrant colors and scents. It's the encounters and the appreciation for natural treasures that make everything so special. The gold of the bees, still crafted by hand.
A polarstep day in Ozvatan:
Today was going to be a piece of cake. Jacob joined us, because good times are short. The climbing is going really well now, and Jacob didn't even have to wait long for us.
We were invited back to a beautiful, large house in Kadılı. We called Jacob, and full of enthusiasm, he sped back up a hill for coffee. We were given cookies, and the coffee cups were from Blokker. So strange, all those lives: fifty years of working in the Netherlands and wonderful stories, all of them. His wife had worked in the rusk factory and now, of course, had to maintain and clean the enormous house. And it was absolutely perfect.
Boudewijn didn't want to come back, because that meant an extra climb. But when we climbed around the corner after our coffee stop at Kemal's, Boudewijn was sitting with Kemal's sister. The brother also had a villa across from his sister.
We chatted a bit with the rest of the family and heard that Boudewijn had even been given stroopwafels (stroopwafels).
Then we had a bit more climbing to do, and everyone calmly made their way up the mountain. Then followed a nice, long descent to Özvatan. Despite all the stops and breaks, we arrived in Özvatan well in time. Burhanettin had told quite a few friends we were coming, so from the mayor to the professor and the beekeeper-savant, we were welcomed like a true delegation.
The honey from Özvatan is called çiçek bal – flower honey. I did some research: it's the honey with the highest proline content in Turkey. We were generously provided with the honey, and what a taste! A truly experience. The flower-rich area, including the dragon flower, apparently makes the aroma so strong and explains its rich, medicinal value.
There were two bee experts, and since they've been involved since childhood, they're supposed to be the most knowledgeable beekeepers. Everyone ordered a jar, of course, so we can take our coveted honey home with us in Konya.
While all this was happening, Boudewijn had found a warm spot at the AK Party and taken his healing nap. Şeref keeps saying, "Okay, now for a nap," and he also knows when Boudewijn takes his nap. Truly, wonderful Boudewijn naps everywhere and in every position.
We all got apartments, and in the evenings we were treated to delicious, healthy local food. All of us were fellow students and the mayor, who spoke German, French, Dutch, and even Turkish. All of this in a Cem-like log cabin, with the fireplace already burning when we arrived. It was incredibly cozy and special to be together with all these homely things. Turşu (sour) made by the host, Tuncer's sister, who had also made a berry drink that was good for your kidneys. I've forgotten the name, but Mehmet said it's not easy to make and has to age for eight months.
Afterward, we were driven back to our apartment. A truly memorable experience, one we won't soon forget. We'll see Professor Ümer again on Monday, when we'll be giving a lecture on cultural routes at his university.
When we arrived at the apartment, the laundry basket was waiting outside, everything spotless again. He was thoroughly spoiled, all thanks to Burhanettin, his friends said. He arranges everything remotely.
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Beyza Documentary ~ RAH
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A 40-day walking route from Istanbul to Konya.
This documentary tells the story of a man who walked the 800-kilometer trail from Istanbul to Konya, and the personal transformation he underwent along the way. It also weaves in the journey of a group walking the trail in 2025, focusing in particular on the story of one woman within that group.
Director: Beyza N. Emisen
DOP/Editor: Cemrecan Yurtman
Assistant Director / Drone Pilot: Yusuf Demirli
Stay tuned for news on RAH |
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Registration has started for hiking caravan 2026
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INVITATION: hiking caravan 2026 – The Sufi Trail Adventure in Turkey
Dear adventurer, zen seeker and nature lover,
Have you always dreamed of a journey where philosophical moments go hand in hand with a brisk walking rhythm? Where you are chased by friendly street dogs and existential questions? Then the hiking caravan 2026 – Edition Sufi Trail is exactly what you need!
After Victor's legendary report, we know for sure: this is no ordinary walking tour. This is a pilgrimage for the soul (and ankles). You don't just walk 800 km to Konya - you survive it.
So, daredevils and zen seekers: put June 2026 in your agenda. Come for the miles, stay for the chaos, the tea invitations from locals and the inevitable hamam experience refreshing as a plunge pool, meet your fellow travellers and immerse yourself in the flowery Turkish landscape.
Practical information:
Where: From home to Istanbul, because the plane won't wait. And then walk to Konya. 800 km in 40 walking days.
When: May 1 to June 12, 2026 - because May and June are the flower months.
What to bring? A smile, a dose of patience, and a tent for the wild nights.
Register before the walking caravan is full. Because one thing is for sure: this will be a journey to remember. Or, as Rumi would say: "The journey is the destination - but bring snacks."
See you on the trail! 🌄🐕🍟
The Walking Caravan Team |
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