Hello, today we are featuring the Konya Travel Guide on Mikos Blog. We are leaving you alone with Konya's unique history, places worth seeing, and magnificent cuisine.
Konya is a city located in the central Anatolian region of Türkiye, with a deep-rooted history dating back to the Hittites. One of the oldest settlements in Türkiye, Konya was the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate and is decorated with magnificent architectural structures from this period. The city is also world-famous for being the place where great Islamic thinkers and poets such as Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi lived and left their works.
Konya takes its visitors on a journey through time with its spirituality, history and cultural richness. Historical structures such as Alaeddin Hill, Karatay Madrasa, İnce Minareli Madrasa and Selimiye Mosque adorn the city from all sides, while the Mevlana Museum in the city center offers a spiritual atmosphere.
The city's social life is also quite colorful. Modern cafes, restaurants and shopping malls blend with Konya's traditional texture and offer visitors a variety of options. Konya cuisine also draws attention with local flavors such as etli ekmek, tirit, and okra soup.
The Şeb-i Arus ceremonies, held every December on the anniversary of Mevlana's death, attract visitors from around the world to this ancient city. These ceremonies symbolize unity and togetherness, love and tolerance, and live out Mevlana's words, "death is my wedding night."
Konya is also a city that attracts the attention of the scientific world with its surrounding archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic Age, such as Çatalhöyük. This rich historical heritage has made Konya an important cultural and tourism center not only in Türkiye but also worldwide.
With this extensive historical and cultural heritage, Konya welcomes hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists every year, offering unforgettable moments to its visitors with the various experiences it offers.
How to get to Konya?
Getting to Konya is quite easy from various cities in Türkiye and even some international destinations. Both road and air options are available, and urban transportation is also well developed.
Transportation by Air
Konya Airport is located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center and hosts many domestic flights. There are regular direct flights from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Bus, taxi and car rental options are available for transportation from the airport to the city center.
Transportation by Road
Konya is located at the intersection of Türkiye's major highways, so it is easy to get to many cities in Türkiye by bus. Konya Bus Terminal is a large and modern bus station outside the city, with bus services from all over Türkiye.
Transportation by Train
Konya is part of the high-speed train network. There are high-speed train services from Ankara to Konya, and the journey takes approximately two hours. There are also train services from Istanbul and Eskişehir to Konya.
In terms of transportation within the city, Konya has a well-developed public transportation network with tram and bus lines. Car rental and taxi use are also common within the city.
Places to Visit in Konya
Konya, a city full of historical and cultural riches, offers its visitors a wide variety of discovery points. Here are some places that are a must-visit in Konya:
Mevlana Museum
One of the most visited places in Konya, the Mevlana Museum contains the tomb of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. The museum is an impressive tomb that houses Mevlana's grave as well as artifacts related to the life of Mevlana and the dervishes.
Alaeddin Hill
Located in the center of Konya, this hill contains the ruins of the palaces of the Seljuk Sultans and the Alaeddin Mosque. From the top you can watch the panoramic view of the city.
Tomb and Mosque of Shams-i Tabrizi
The tomb of Shams-i Tabrizi, Mevlana's close friend and spiritual companion, is one of the important places to visit in the city.
The Thin Minaret Madrasa
This magnificent structure from the Seljuk period currently serves as the Museum of Stone and Wooden Works. The thin and tall minaret of the madrasah is known for its striking architecture.
Karatay Madrasa
This historical madrasah is now used as a ceramics museum. Examples of ceramics and tiles from the Seljuk period are exhibited.
Konya Archaeology Museum
This museum, where artifacts from archaeological excavations in Konya and its surroundings are exhibited, offers the opportunity to get to know the history of the city more closely.
Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden
This unique garden has a colorful and peaceful atmosphere where you can observe various tropical butterfly species.
What to Eat in Konya?
Konya has a rich food culture that offers the most delicious examples of Turkish cuisine. The city is especially famous for its meat dishes and desserts. Here are some local delicacies you should try in Konya:
Meat Bread
The most famous dish of Konya, etli ekmek, is prepared by spreading minced meat, onion and spices on thin dough and baking it in the oven. This flavor, which has a long and thin shape, resembles pide but is much thinner and wider.
Mevlana Pastry
This special pastry is prepared with a mixture of minced meat, cheese and parsley and takes its name from Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. It is especially preferred for breakfasts and lunches.
Okra Soup
Okra soup, which is frequently encountered in Konya cuisine, is a preferred starter, especially in seasons when okra is abundant.
Sop
This Konya dish, which consists of various meats and vegetables on pieces of bread, is delicious and filling. Tirit is served as a hot option especially in the winter months.
Chiborek
Chiborek, prepared by wrapping a minced meat stuffing with yufka and frying it, is one of the popular snacks of Konya.
Oven Kebab
One of the local dishes of Konya, oven kebab, is prepared by slowly cooking lamb meat with vegetables in the oven and has a special taste.
Milky Nuriye
Sütlü Nuriye, a type of baklava, a traditional Turkish dessert, is prepared by filling baklava dough with hazelnuts or walnuts, sweetening it with milk and then adding it to syrup.
What Gift to Buy from Konya?
Konya offers visitors a variety of gift options with its rich cultural heritage and traditional handicrafts. Here are some unique souvenirs you can buy for yourself or your loved ones from Konya:
Mevlana Figures and Symbolic Works
Whirling dervish figures of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, whirling dervish figurines and other symbolic works specific to Mevlana are among the gifts with high spiritual value that can be purchased from Konya.
Tile and Ceramic Products
Tile plates, vases, coffee cup sets and other ceramic products produced in Konya and its surroundings are both eye-catchingly beautiful and authentic gift items.
Konya Carpets and Rugs
Konya and its surroundings are known for their traditional carpet and kilim weaving. Hand-woven carpets and kilims are valuable gifts that reflect the cultural richness of the region.
Mevlana Candy and Turkish Delight
Konya's unique Mevlana candy and Turkish delight are both delicious and special gift options. These sweets are a nice way to present the city's traditional flavors to your loved ones.
Spices and Medicinal Herbs
Various spices and herbs that you can find in Konya markets not only add flavor to your meals, but also make healthy gift alternatives.
Handmade Ornaments and Jewelry
You can find handmade ornaments, traditional jewelry and handcrafted items in the bazaars and markets of Konya. These products can be both authentic and personal gift options.
Things You Need to Know Before Going to Konya
There are some important points to consider before your trip to Konya. These tips can help make your trip more enjoyable and trouble-free:
Cultural Respect
Konya is known as one of the most conservative cities in Türkiye. Therefore, it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Dressing modestly in public areas, especially religious places, is a sign of respect for the local culture.
Visit to Mevlana Museum and Dervish Lodge
Mevlana Museum is one of the most visited places in Konya. When visiting the museum and the dervish lodge, it is necessary to have a peaceful and respectful attitude. It is important to comply with the rules of photography and the requirement of silence in the museum.
Local Food
Konya cuisine offers the most delicious dishes of Turkish cuisine. However, some dishes may be heavy for those who are not used to new tastes. If you want to try local dishes, slowly discovering the variety may be a good approach.
Transport
Trams and buses can be used effectively for transportation within the city. Konya's transportation system, especially the tram lines, provides access to many important points of the city. Car rental is also an option, but finding parking in the city can be difficult at times.
Shopping Hours
Working hours of markets and shops in Konya generally start at 09:00 in the morning and end around 19:00-20:00 in the evening. Some shops may be closed on Sundays.
Religious and National Holidays
During religious and national holidays, some official institutions, shops and museums in Konya may be closed. Including such special days and events in your plans can make your trip more productive.
We wanted to provide you with a comprehensive travel guide where you can get detailed information about Konya. We hope you enjoyed reading it. You can visit our blog for more different travel articles. We also recommend you to read our Edirne Travel Guide article.
