Konya is one of the oldest cities in Turkey, rich in culture, history and warm hospitality. It is the birthplace of the greatest poet and Sufi, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. It is a destination for the tourists and visitors all over the world who want to connect with the spiritual center of Turkey. Konya is the capital of the Seljuk Empire and contains the buildings of the past that bear history. There are stunning and beautiful mosques and rich madrasas in its streets.
Konya has a peaceful and serene atmosphere where a tourist is likely to learn about traditions and spirituality, visit the Mevlana Museum, and attend the dynamic Whirling Dervish performances, and enjoy a variety of good food like Etli Ekmek and Firin Kebab.
Konya is a gateway to visit nearby attractions like the ancient Museum of Çatalhoyuk and the Sille Village. Konya is a nice place for a tour where some of the historical monuments, peaceful life and modern facilities are waiting for you. This city creates some unforgettable memories and experiences with its history, spirituality and nature that will last a lifetime.
History of Konya
The city of Konya is the most historic and ancient city in Turkey, which developed 4000 years ago. Turkey was founded during the Seljuk rule with Konya as the capital. It was famous for their culture, traditions, and religion. It was the trade center for many other countries and cities of Turkey during their era. This era left traditions that shaped Konya, a well-structured and beautiful city.
Ancient Roots
Konya’s history is full of a chalcolithic period and sites like Çatalhöyük show the signs of early history of urban communities. The Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, and Greeks ruled over Konya city.. During the Roman and Byzantine eras, Konya became the point for trade and linked Anatolia and Konya.
Seljuk Era
Seljuk ruled over Turkey for two centuries and selected Konya as the capital of Turkey. They transformed the city into a main political and cultural center during this period and constructed the magnificent mosques, caravanserais, and madrasas. This magnificent period built Konya as an intellectual and magnificent building center.
Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes
Jalal ad-Din Rumi moved into Konya in the 13th century where he founded Whirling Dervishes. His work, love for teaching and tolerance raised the tradition of the Whirling Dervish. Then Konya became a spiritual pilgrimage center for adherents across the world.
Ottoman Rule
Being conquered by the Seljuks, Konya was later incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century. It was a significant provincial capital, maintained its Seljuk culture without letting it go to waste, and transformed and adopted Ottoman architecture and culture.
Modern Konya
The city of Konya nowadays combines its prominent history and modern evolution. It is an attractive and historic city of museums, universities and cultural festivals. Visitors or tourists come to learn more about the history and spiritual heritage. Historic landmarks, spiritual sites, and warm local hospitality greet them.
A place of pilgrimage
Konya is the land for spiritual and cultural tourists, with its unique location being in the heart of Turkey. This city has the shrine of the poet, scholar and mystical sufi, Jalaluddin Rumi. The people of the world are still inspired by their life, their poems and their devotional poetry. The Mevlana Museum and Shrine of Rumi are places that attract tourists visiting konya all over the world. It used to be a dervish, and now the museum provides a calm environment in which visitors view manuscripts and personal materials. The city has also hosted the death ceremony every December, which has the mystical dances of the whirling dervishes that symbolize spiritual elevation.
The religious value of Konya is much broader than Sufism. The city became a center for religion during the Seljuk government with the beautiful and stunning landmarks like Alaeddin Mosque. It is an old city of the Hittites. The city was formed in the Roman and Byzantine times as a great Christian center. Remnants of that period are to be located, such as in the Aya Elenia Church Sille.
The spiritual beauty of Konya is combined with cultural life today. Visitors are able to visit vibrant markets, local food including etli ekmek, and historic sites such as the Karatay Madrasa, whose Seljuk tile work is so striking. Such a combination of religion, history, and good-natured hospitality has a lasting impression. It is still a place that strikes the heart of those who seek the inspiration or a connection with history, with Rumi and his message of a timeless quote, to find the truth inside yourself.
Konya Museum
The Mevlana Museum in Konya is one of the best-known places in Turkey and a significant element in the spiritual history of Konya. It was a dervish lodge, but now it has become a Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-century poet and Sufi mystic. The museum contains the tomb of Rumi crowned with its famous green dome that attracts pilgrims and people from all over the world. On the inside, there are rare books, personal items of Rumi, items used by his followers, musical instruments of the Sufi, and beautiful calligraphy. It is a serene and quiet place to think and ponder over the art and the tile work. The historic design illustrates the beauty of the Seljuk era. It is not only the places to read about the life of Rumi, but these are also the center of the high level of spiritual history. The visit to the Mevlana Museum allows one to enter the world of the history of Konya and Sufism.
Secret Tunnel
The Secret Tunnel of Konya is a curious and mystical arch of the history of the city. It was constructed during the Seljuk period and linked amenities to Alaeddin Hill, palaces, and mosques. It allowed the rulers and other officials to travel during dangerous periods. Others believe it was also used to hide valuables or for travelling when under attack. Only a very little bit of the tunnel is discovered, and there is a lot of it that is still not identified. The building has walls and arched ceilings that evidence people were skilled at building. The Secret Tunnel is an unknown legacy of Konya today, where people are impatient and have fantasies about knowing more about what is buried in the tunnel.
Pink Lake
The Pink Lake of Konya is a natural wonder which is known due to its pink water. Its colour is as a result of high salt and algae, which brighten in salty conditions. On sunny days, water reflects pink and red colors that provide a remarkable landscape that attracts people. The lake is too shallow and one can even walk on the salt crust on the lakeside. The Pink Lake holds significance to the local ecosystem and also hosts a variety of birds and wildlife. The trip to the Pink Lake is relaxing and an opportunity to use the purest natural salts of Konya. With its unique color and peaceful environment, it is the most attractive place that people need to visit.
Foods in Konya
Etli Ekmek: Etli Ekmek is meat and butter on thin and crispy flatbread. It look like pizza and is also adored by the locals and tourists.
Badem Ezmesi: It is a sweet almond and sugar dessert. Badem Ezmesi is creamy, delicious, and a favorite dessert for the people of Konya during festivals and occasions.
Fırın Kebabı: It’s so flavourful and slow cooked lamb baked. Served with rice or fresh bread.
Höşmerim: Höşmerim is a classic dessert consisting of fresh cheese, sugar and egg. It is extremely soft and slightly sweet tasting and a very popular dish of Konya cuisine.
FAQs
What is Konya best known for?
Konya is the place of whirling dervishes and great Sufi Rumi. Konya architecture is beautiful and antique.
When is the best time to visit Konya?
September to November are the best time to visit Konya. The weather is pleasant during this month.
How can I get to Konya from Istanbul?
You can visit Konya and travel by plane or bus. Konya is 5 hours away from Istanbul by train, and the whole journey is very comfortable.
What are the must-visit attractions in Konya?
Some of the old, beautiful and attractive places that you must visit are the Mevlana Museum, Alaeddin Mosque, Ince Minaret Medrese and Karatay Medrese.
Is Konya suitable for family travel?
Yes, Konya is a safe city with rules and regulations. It is best suited for families to travel and visit freely. Ancient museums, parks, and historical places are the most attractive and visited places for people of all ages.
