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Massive attendance at Konya's Mevlana Museum for the Turkey-Spain World Cup qualifier match sets a new record

Football-induced disagreement between Turkey and Spain increases tourist traffic at Mevlana Museum, demonstrating how sports events stimulate cultural tourism at Rumi's historical resting spot in Konya.

Massive attendance at Konya's Mevlana Museum during the Turkey-Spain World Cup qualifier, setting a...
Massive attendance at Konya's Mevlana Museum during the Turkey-Spain World Cup qualifier, setting a new record for spectators.

Massive attendance at Konya's Mevlana Museum for the Turkey-Spain World Cup qualifier match sets a new record

Mevlana Museum in Konya Breaks Visitor Records During FIFA World Cup Qualifier

The Mevlana Museum in Konya, Turkey, a globally renowned cultural treasure and the resting place of the 13th-century Sufi mystic and Islamic philosopher Mevlana Jalal al-Din Rumi, saw a significant increase in visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.

On the day of the Turkey vs. Spain match held at MEDAS Konya Metropolitan Stadium, the museum welcomed an impressive 15,580 visitors. This influx of tourists marked a doubling of visitor numbers for the Mevlana Museum, which is already one of Turkey's most visited cultural institutions.

Football fans from around the world turned their attention to Konya, not just for the match, but also for the city's rich history and cultural sites. The Mevlana Museum, an iconic landmark in Konya, offered visitors the opportunity to combine sport with cultural discovery.

On match day, visitors paid tribute at Rumi's tomb and explored the museum's exhibits, which showcase the life and teachings of this influential figure. The museum's popularity as a tourist destination was further highlighted, as it welcomed over 3 million visitors in 2024, both domestic and international.

The sudden influx of visitors underscores how major sporting events can also fuel cultural interest. As Konya prepares for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, the Mevlana Museum is expected to remain a landmark that football fans will turn to for a cultural experience.

The Mevlana Museum, with its historical and cultural significance, continues to be a draw for tourists from around the world. Whether you're a football fan or a history enthusiast, a visit to Konya and the Mevlana Museum promises an unforgettable experience.

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