Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Discover Beyşehir: A Journey Through History, Faith and Nature

Discover Beyşehir: A Journey Through History, Faith and Nature

Nestled on the shores of Turkey's largest freshwater lake, Beyşehir is a city where history, faith, and nature embrace each other. From ancient Hittite monuments to Seljuk mosques, from mystical springs to the breathtaking Beyşehir Lake, the region invites travelers to a journey that blends culture with serenity.


Eşrefoğlu Mosque


  • Built in 1299 by Emir Süleyman Bey, it is one of the most important wooden-column mosques in Anatolia.
  • Famous for its ornately carved wooden pillars, turquoise tiles, and snow pit used for cooling.
  • Recognized by UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List.
  • It stands as a symbol of Seljuk craftsmanship and spiritual devotion.


Fasıllar Monument


  • Dating back to the Hittite period (13th century BCE), the monument depicts gods and lions carved into massive rock blocks.
  • It is thought to have been a religious sanctuary or a commemorative monument.
  • Nicknamed "the Hittite Sphinx of Beyşehir," it connects visitors to an era more than 3,000 years ago.
  • It stands as a symbol of Seljuk craftsmanship and spiritual devotion.


Eflatun Pınar


  • An impressive Hittite spring sanctuary located about 22 km from Beyşehir.
  • Features reliefs of gods, sun disks, and sacred water flowing from a stone-structured pool.
  • Listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List, it symbolizes the sacred bond between water and life in Hittite culture.


Beyşehir Lake


  • Known as Turkey's largest freshwater lake, stretching across Konya and Isparta provinces.
  • Ideal for boat tours, fishing, and lakeside picnics.
  • Home to over 30 islands-some with Byzantine ruins.
  • The lake is also a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting migratory species



Kubadabad Palace Ruins

  • Built by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I as a summer residence on the shores of Beyşehir Lake.
  • Excavations revealed colorful Seljuk tiles, ceramics, and palace structures.
  • Offers a glimpse of royal Seljuk life by the water..



Stone Bridge (Taşköprü)

  • Constructed in the early 20th century (1908-1914) during the Ottoman period.
  • Connects the lake to the Beyşehir Canal, enabling irrigation and agriculture.
  • Known for its aesthetic stone arches, it remains one of the city's iconic



National Park of Beyşehir Lake (Beyşehir Gölü Milli Parkı)

  • A vast protected area covering forests, wetlands, and lakeside ecosystems.
  • Perfect for trekking, camping, and photography.
  • Visitors can enjoy both cultural tours and untouched nature in a single trip.


How to Get There: Beyşehir is located 90 km west of Konya; regular buses and car rentals are available.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for boat rides; autumn for cooler hikes; winter for a mystical lake view.

Local Taste to Try: Beyşehir's fish dishes, tandır kebabı, and oven-baked village bread.