Konya sits in the heart of Central Turkey. Renown for the whirling dervishes, it is the final home of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi (September 30th 1207 – December 17th, 1273), an acclaimed Sufi and poet.

Since 2004, Konya has hosted an International Mystic Music Festival, inviting musicians from all across the world to perform in this city ripe with mysticism. The 11th edition hosted artists from Indonesia, India, Iran, Bolivia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Spain and Mayotte. Performers take stage in their traditional dress and enchanting the audience with sounds of their traditional instruments. My two favourites from the festival was the classical music from Persia, by the Namad Emsemble, and the dance performance from Aceh Indonesia, by Seni Budaya Nusantara.

To look sharp for the event, Julien accepted an offer for an old school barber shave.

5 Turkish Lira (AUD$2) for a beard tidy was an absolute bargain.

The performances began at 7 each night, leaving us plenty of time during the day to explore Konya and its surrounds. Konya is a traditional city, and perhaps one of the most conservative cities in all Turkey. More women wore black, and more women covered their hair. However, the children were ever more playful. An ever memorable experience is laughing and joking around with children as you all negotiate the language barrier. This photo was taken only moments before we were accosted by 30 students, all on their way home from school.

Did I mention how much I adore street food?