Things to Do in Konya

A beautiful museum dedicated to Jalal-ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a well known Persian Sufi mystic, a poet and philosopher well known as Mevlana Rumi. Also known as the Green mausoleum or Green dome, it was originally a lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim group. It also is the tomb and shrine of Mevlana Rumi who passed away in the early 13th century. Mevlana's successor Husamettin Celebi built the mausoleum in his master’s memory.

The conical dome and the wooden carvings make it a beautiful structure to visit. The lodge includes a Semahane where the ritual Sema or whirling ceremony takes place. The museum displays musical instruments and robes belonging to Mevlana, and other Ottoman collectibles like gold-engraved Korans from the 13th century. It is also a home to the prayer silk carpet. The tomb of Mevlana Rumi and his father Bahaeddin Veled is enclosed in a tomb guarded by a silver gate.

This museum is a must-visit on your trip to Konya.

Hike up to the top of this man-made hill and you will be surprised! A beautiful park and a contemporary mosque is a pleasing sight. It was built for the nobles to enjoy the views of the city and also had a palace which was damaged over the period of years.

When up on the hill, do not miss out the ice-cream sold at the stalls: adds up to the experience!

A pretty neighbourhood with a history of over 5000 years, Sille is an amalgamation of Greek and Islamic cultures in Turkey. This is also one of the very few villages that spoke Cappadocian Greek language until early 20th century.

Today, after the division of pollution based on ethnicity, the Greek population doesn’t inhabit the village anymore but the glimpses of Greek culture still persist making it a unique place to visit.

Dedicated to Semsi Tebrizi- a friend, companion and guide of Mevlana Rumi, this mosque was originally used as a tekke or dervish hall, as hence is square shaped. There is a tomb beneath the cenotaph which is believed to be of Semsi Tebrizi, but it is not yet proved.

Yet, a beautiful place to visit. It is just at a walking distance from Mevlana Museum.

An ancient hotel or an inn which was located on the historical silk route, the Caravanserai that stands today is the well-maintained ruins of what was a landmark in the past. Merchants and travellers of ancient times used to drop-in here when travelling on the silk-route.

When here, do not miss you the variety of beautiful birds that you can observe.

This petite museum displays the collection of artefacts from Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk influence on Konya. It is also has an assorted finds from the Neolithic tumulus at Çatal Höyük. The collection is rich in sarcophagi and has some rare burial treasures.

Set in a simple Turkish complex, this museum is worth visiting for history enthusiasts.

This landmark structure was built in late 13th century by Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate vizier Sahib Ata Fahreddin Ali who later also founded the Anatolian beylik ofSahib Ata. The minaret was originally taller and slender than the structure that stands today.

The minaret is made up of ornamented stone facade which includes intricate designs of scripts and geometric patterns along with ribbon-shaped lines which give it a distinct character. At the entrance, you can observe Thuluth which depicts Sura 36 and 110 from Holy Quran.

The minaret was damaged in a lightning strike in 1901 and was restored years later by the Turkish government. The building now houses the Stone and wood streaks museum which has collections from Seljuk and Ottoman period.

This museum was constructed during the reign of Sultan Keykavus II in the early 13th century by his Grand Vizier. This cermaic museum displays a remarkable collection of faience which is an art of fine tin-glazed pottery.  Most of the collection is comprised from the rare findings at Kubadabad Palace which was a royal summer residence on Lake BeyÅŸehir shore, a few miles away from Konya.

Most impressive are the 13th-century Seljuk tiles which are also used to decorate in the interiors of this beautiful space. The exterior is a classic example of Seljuk architecture.

Located in the business centre of Konya, the Mosque dates backs to 17th century and was commissioned by Damat Mustafa Pasha (husband of Hatice Sultan-the daughter of Sultan Mehmet IV). It was destroyed in mid-nineteenth century due to fire and was re-commisioned by Pertevniyal- the mother of Sultan Abdulaziz. The name Aziziye refers to Abdulaziz.

It presents mix style of Baroque and Ottoman architecture and its double minarets are unique. The main floor has an elevation and is reached by a ladder. There are water fountains in the surrounding.

The prayer hall is square shaped with domed ceiling. The windows of the mosque are larger than its doors. Built in cut stone, the member and mihrab are constructed in bluish marble.

Worth a visit!

Also known as Sultan Selim II mosque, this mosque is located just next to the Mevlana museum. Built in Ottoman style of architecture, the tile work and the mosaics in the mosque are worth observing!

A summer spot and popular hangout in Konya, heritage houses, vineyards and tall trees adorn the paths of this stylish walking area. A hub for the second crusade during the Byzantine period, a visit to Melgam Baglari is a must-do on the trip to Konya.

Take a casual stroll, admire the historic and beautiful structures and relish some Turkish coffee at the cafes!

Located in the famous Ataturk Avenue of Konya, the museum building was constructed in 1912 and used as a governor’s office till the arrival of turkey’s prominent leader Ataturk Kemal Pasha in Konya and used by him for official purposes.

In his memory, the house was opened to visitors as Ataturk’s House- culture museum since 1964. The Ataturk house museum was restored in 1981 on the 100th birth anniversary of Ataturk.

The museum displays a collection of documents and photographs of Konya and its people during the period of Independence war. Documents, the notes he made on his visit and collectibles that mark the arrival of Ataturk in Konya can also be observed.