A Journey Spanning Centuries from Obruk to Savatra

Karatay Municipality is preserving the history of Anatolia with projects that uncover thousands of years of ancient heritage. From the 800-year- old Obruk Caravanserai to the Roman-era Savatra Ancient City, the ongoing work both preserves cultural heritage and highlights Karatay as a leading destination for cultural tourism.

The work carried out by Karatay Municipality to preserve historical structures and bring them into tourism reveals the region's deep-rooted history while also increasing its tourism potential.

The 800-year-old Obruk Caravanserai from the Seljuk period was revived through a meticulous restoration process and brought back to life as a "Museum Hotel." Having hosted thousands of visitors so far, the structure continues to keep Karatay's cultural memory alive.

At the Savatra Ancient City, which has a history spanning thousands of years, archaeological excavations continue uninterrupted with the cooperation of Karatay Municipality, Selçuk University, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Through the excavations, Roman-era structures such as the theatre, the council building, ancient roads, and mosaics have been brought to light.

AN ACCOMMODATION EXPERIENCE INTERTWINED WITH HISTORY

Located on the Konya-Aksaray road, right next to the Kızören Sinkhole, the Obruk Caravanserai Museum Hotel offers visitors not only accommodation but also an unforgettable experience intertwined with history.

Restored in full respect to its original architectural details, the structure showcases elegant examples of Seljuk architecture. From kitchen tools to Turkish baths in the rooms and the artifacts displayed, every element reflects the Seljuk atmosphere.

A SENSORY JOURNEY WITH THE RUMI SCENT MUSEUM

The Rumi Scent Museum located within the museum hotel offers visitors a sensory journey into the mystical world of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.

A 175-year-old distillation device, wooden containers from the Ottoman period, traditional incense burners, and rosewater flasks bring the scents of the past into the present. In the museum's most special section, ten different scents inspired by the Masnavi are presented to visitors. These scents are not merely essences; they also carry deep meanings belonging to Mevlana's philosophy.

HISTORY EMERGES AT THE SAVATRA ANCIENT CITY

Another project that sheds light on Karatay's thousands-year-old history is the excavation work at the Savatra Ancient City, which began in 2021 and continues with the cooperation of Karatay Municipality, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Selçuk University, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.