Welcome to Konya, the spiritual heart of Turkey. While the city is globally celebrated as the home of the great Sufi mystic Mevlana Rumi and the origin of the Whirling Dervishes, it offers a rich blend of history, culture, and unique Anatolian experiences that span millennia—from the dawn of civilization to the peak of the Seljuk Empire.
If you are planning your visit, here is a guide to the must-do activities that will fully immerse you in the soul of this unforgettable city.
I. The Spiritual Core: Rumi and the Sufi Legacy
The most essential part of your trip revolves around the legacy of Mevlana Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (Mevlana).
- Visit the Mevlana Museum (Rumi’s Mausoleum): Start your journey at the city’s most iconic landmark. Recognized by its stunning turquoise Fluted Green Dome, the museum is the former lodge of the Whirling Dervishes and the final resting place of Rumi. The atmosphere is deeply tranquil, allowing you to connect with Rumi’s universal message of love and tolerance. Allow 1-2 hours.
- Witness the Sema Ceremony: No trip is complete without watching the Sema, the ceremonial whirling ritual. This is a form of active meditation performed by the Mevlevi Dervishes, symbolizing the soul’s journey to God. Check the schedule for the Mevlana Cultural Center (often held on Saturday evenings) for the most authentic experience.
- Find Shams-i Tabrizi: Take a short stroll to the tomb and mosque of Shams-i Tabrizi, Rumi’s spiritual companion whose influence was the catalyst for Rumi’s greatest poetry. This is a quiet, contemplative site that adds profound context to Rumi’s life.
II. Step Back to the Seljuk Golden Age
Konya served as the magnificent capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Seljuks left a spectacular architectural footprint, distinct from the later Ottoman style.
- Climb Alaeddin Hill & Mosque: Head to Alaeddin Tepesi (Alaeddin Hill), a central park built atop an ancient citadel mound. At the summit sits the Alaeddin Mosque, the oldest mosque in Konya. Its unique interior features a forest of ancient columns and houses the tombs of several Seljuk Sultans.
- Marvel at the Madrasas (Seljuk Schools):
- Karatay Madrasa (Tile Museum): Famous for its breathtaking turquoise-tiled dome, this former theological school now showcases some of the finest examples of Seljuk ceramic art.
- İnce Minareli Madrasa (Museum of Stone & Wood Works): Admire the spectacular stone-carved entrance portal, covered in intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy—a true masterpiece of Seljuk craftsmanship.
III. Explore Modern Konya and Local Life
Beyond the historical monuments, explore the vibrant pulse of modern and traditional Konya.
- Get Lost in the Bedesten Bazaar: Located near the Mevlana Museum and Aziziye Mosque, this vast, historic covered market is the perfect place to soak up local culture. Wander through 2,700 shops, sample local products, and find traditional Turkish souvenirs.
- Try Local Cuisine (Etliekmek): You cannot leave Konya without trying Etliekmek—the city’s famous, super-long, thin Turkish pizza topped with minced meat. It’s a local favorite and a delicious, authentic meal.
- Visit the Aziziye Mosque: This mosque stands out for its unique architectural blend of Ottoman and Baroque styles, featuring two distinctively ornate minarets. It is located right in the middle of the bustling bazaar district.
- Embrace Nature and Modernity: For a change of pace, visit the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden, one of Europe’s largest, featuring hundreds of colorful butterflies in a lush tropical environment, or enjoy the panoramic views from the Selçuk Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Central Anatolia (with a rotating restaurant!).
IV. Day Trips to the Ancient World
For those with an extra day, explore the groundbreaking archaeological sites outside the city.
- Çatalhöyük (The First City): Take a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the oldest and largest Neolithic settlements ever discovered (dating back 9,000 years). See the unique “streetless” architecture and original excavation pits that changed our understanding of human civilization.
- Sille Village: Just a short drive from the city center, this ancient village offers a tranquil retreat. It showcases a fascinating blend of Greek Orthodox and Turkish heritage, complete with rock-carved churches and charming riverside cafes.
Konya is a city that rewards the curious traveler. While Rumi’s message will draw you in, the layers of history—from the Neolithic age to the Seljuk capital—will ensure your experience is truly unforgettable. Enjoy your spiritual and historical adventure!