Discover Konya: Turkey’s Hidden Gem of History and Culture

If you are planning to go to Turkey, allow me to put Konya on your list of must-visit places. This city may not be as popular as Istanbul or Cappadocia but believe me it’s a hidden gem. So sit back, grab a cup of tea and let me take you through a virtual tour of this wonderful city.

Konya View

Why Visit Konya?

So why would you want to visit Konya? Well if history, culture and spirituality interest you then this is the place for you. Most people know Konya as the home of Rumi one of the greatest Sufi mystics ever lived. His tomb known as Mevlana Museum is a must visit place. The atmosphere here is something different; quiet, meditative and profound.

But that’s not all. Konya has a long history dating back to antiquity. The town was an important stopover along Silk Road, with historical sites such as Alaeddin Mosque and Ince Minaret Medrese being simply fascinating. Besides if you are into Seljuk architecture then going to Konya is like stepping into a living museum.

Konya People and Tram

How to Get to Konya

Airport transfer from anywhere in Turkey are straightforward for all tourists. If you are traveling directly from major cities, a flight takes just about an hour or so. However , if your prefer taking scenic routes , it might be prudent enough for one take high speed train route from Istanbul or Ankara. It will take about 1,5 – 2 hours from Ankara and also afford you some nice Turkish landscapes on the way down there.

For those who prefer road trips, Konya is well-connected by highways. Renting a car in Turkey visit could be a fun and flexible way to explore not just Konya but the surrounding regions as well.

Mevlana Museum

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Things to do in Konya

So, let’s find out what you can do while you are in Konya. Here’s a list of top recommendations:

1. Mevlana Museum: This is the heart of Konya. The museum is dedicated to Rumi, and it’s where his tomb lies. It has an incredible peaceful atmosphere.
2. Alaeddin Mosque & Hill: Standing on top of Aladdin hill, this mosque offers excellent views over the city. The mosque itself is a fine example of Seljuk architecture.
3. Karatay Medrese: This former theological school now serves as a museum today. Tile works are just amazing here.
4. Ince Minaret Madrasah: Having turned into a wooden and stone artifact museum, this madrasah still impresses visitors with its beautiful architecture.
5. Sille Village: Sille Village which dates back hundreds of years has Greek Orthodox heritage and it’s located just outside the city center. If you have time for one day trip, go here!
6. Whirling Dervishes: On Saturdays it would be nice to see Whirling Dervish ceremony while staying in Konya. This performance will mesmerize you and show you something about Sufi culture.

Konya Alaeddin Mosque

Where to eat in Konya

Another reason people come to visit Konya is because of its food tradition. Do not leave without trying Etli Ekmek (Turkish pizza) and Fırın kebabı (lamb meat that is cooked slowly). For dessert, try Höşmerim which is a local sweet treat. Don’t forget to try some Turkish tea or Ayran (yogurt drink) after eating these luscious dishes!

Konya Etli Ekmek

Tips for Your Visit

• Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit. The weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded.
• Konya is more conservative than other Turkish cities hence it’s a good idea to dress conservatively especially when you visit religious sites.
• That said, although Turkish is the main language, you will find that many people in tourist areas speak some English. Nonetheless, it would be really useful if you knew some basic Turkish phrases.

Konya Whirling Dervishes

There you have it – a brief guide on Konya! Being characterized by its blend of history, spirituality and culture, this city has something unique about it. No matter the kind of person you are; history addict or spiritual searcher or simply someone searching for new explorations Konya guarantees all these.

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