Konya, although located in a flat region at the center of the country, is a city teeming with depth and history. For those drawn to Rumi’s teachings and eager to embark on a rich historical journey, we warmly invite you to "travel the world and see Konya."
Rumi: The Soul of Konya
Born in the city of Belh in Khorasan at the beginning of the 13th century, Mevlana’s real name was Muhammed Celaleddin. He adopted the name Mevlana, meaning “Our Lord,” during his teaching years in Konya. Later, the name Rumi, which refers to Anatolia, was added as he spent a significant part of his life there. Rumi passed away on December 17, 1273, at the age of 66 and was buried in Konya, where he left an indelible mark on the world with his teachings.
Exploring Konya: A Culinary and Cultural Journey
Of course, a visit to Konya wouldn’t be complete without savoring the famous meatloaf, known as Etliekmek. However, with so much to see and do, let’s hit the road and explore the city before your hunger strikes!
Experience Rumi in the 13th Century and Witness the Semah
Rumi's wisdom transcends centuries, making him a scholar for all time. To delve deeper into his teachings, we recommend reading his most renowned work, the "Mesnevi." In Konya, you can visit the Mevlana Museum and his tomb (Kubbe-i Hadra), along with the Şems-i Tebriz Mosque and tomb. At the Mevlana Museum, you can also see the eight-stringed violin, the astrological sphere and patience stones he used to teach astrology, as well as the first copy of the "Mesnevi" from 1278. The traces of Rumi's presence in Konya extend beyond these landmarks to the spiritual performances of “semah.” Be sure to catch the one-hour show organized by the Konya Municipality every Saturday at the Mevlana Cultural Center. For scheduling details, you can visit the institution's website.
Discover Seljuk and Ottoman Art
Our ancestors created a remarkable and distinct form of art, evident in the dazzling structures that have withstood the test of time. In Konya, you can explore many of these works on Alaeddin Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the city. The Alaeddin Mosque, one of the most significant mosques from the Seljuk period, is located here. Within its courtyard, you’ll find the tombs of the rulers and administrators from that era.
Another notable structure on the hill is the Karatay Madrasa, built by Emir Celaleddin Karatay in 1251, renowned for its exquisite tile art. The intricate stonework on the door of the Ince Minaret Madrasah, dating back to 1260, is sure to impress.
Now, let's turn our attention to the Ottoman period. The Aziziye Mosque, one of the period's most beautiful constructions, was originally built in 1671. After a devastating fire, Sultan Abdulaziz had the mosque rebuilt in 1867 in honor of his mother, Pertevniyal Sultan. This baroque-style mosque is the most ornate in Konya, featuring stunning embroidery and a magnificent dome. You won't be able to resist taking countless photos as you explore this architectural gem in the heart of the city.
Journey to the Stone Age: Visit Çatalhöyük
Çatalhöyük offers a glimpse into a hidden world. This ancient mound, dating back to the end of the Stone Age, allows you to experience the origins of human settlements. Located 11 km from Çumra district, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. If you're curious about the artifacts from this site, a visit to the Konya Archaeology Museum, the second largest museum in Turkey after the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, is a must.
Witness the Lifecycle of Butterflies at the Tropical Butterfly Garden
Visiting the Tropical Butterfly Garden will surely warm your heart and fill you with wonder. Spanning an impressive 385,000 square meters, this tropical paradise is home to about 6,000 butterflies from 15 different species. With captivating stories about transformation, such as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, the garden is a spectacle of fluttering colors. Although it's called a garden, this is actually Europe’s largest butterfly area, open for visits every day except Monday.
Enter the Exciting Atmosphere of the Science Center
Prepare for an exhilarating experience at the Science Center, a vast facility dedicated to exploring the wonders of the sky, the earth, and beyond. This center, the first of its kind established with the support of TÜBİTAK in Turkey, offers workshops, hands-on experiments with experts, exhibitions, 3D movies, and the chance to study celestial movements. While the primary audience is children and youth, the center warmly welcomes adult scientists as well. If you’re visiting Konya with your child, this is a stop you won't want to miss.
