The Konya Metropolitan Municipality hosted the 15th General Conference and 33rd Board Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC). Participants who came to Konya for the OICC had the opportunity to get to know the city better with technical and cultural tours after the meetings.
The delegation, which visited the Mevlana Tomb, Konya Science Center, Tropical Butterfly Garden, Ancestral Garden and Japanese Park, also examined the Metropolitan Municipality Solid Waste Facility. The delegation also watched the sema ceremony held at the Mevlana Cultural Center and the Islamic Civilization Research and Culture Center.
Mayor Altay mentioned that they organized cultural programs for the guests to closely acquaint them with the city's history and culture. He emphasized that they showcased Konya's hospitality in the best possible way.
Issa Kassis, Mayor of Ramallah, Palestine, commented on the Sema ceremony held at the Mevlana Cultural Center, saying, “I am greatly honored to be here and to closely experience this profound and spiritual culture, which I did not know well before. Therefore, I would like to thank Mayor Altay for his generosity and for inviting us, first to attend the conference and then to experience the spiritual and cultural aspects of Konya.”
Muhammed Said Fatha, a member of the City Council of Beirut Municipality, stated, “We hope for continued mutual assistance and solidarity between Beirut Municipality and Konya Metropolitan Municipality. We believe this will happen. We found Konya to be a very orderly, clean, and well-organized city. We know Konya as a center where Islamic activities are widespread, as an Islamic city.”
