Pedals Turn to History and Nature in Europe’s Cycling Capital Konya

Konya Metropolitan Municipality continues to organize cycling tour events that bring together residents who want to explore the city’s historical, cultural, and natural richness by bike.

As part of the April events in Konya, the 2026 European Cycling Capital, a cycling tour was held along a route starting from the Ancient City of Kilistra and extending to Meram. Cycling enthusiasts both exercised and embarked on a cultural journey along the route, which stretched from the unique atmosphere of the thousands-year-old Ancient City of Kilistra to the natural beauty of Meram.

In the second tour, cycling enthusiasts pedaled through the Blue Gorge Canyon, which passes through the districts of Ahırlı and Akören, one of Konya’s hidden gems, as part of the “Pedaling in the Footsteps of Keykubad” program. Along the 55-kilometer route stretching from Ahırlı Balıklava to Çumra Apa, participants enjoyed pleasant moments immersed in nature.

Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay stated that efforts to further strengthen Konya’s identity as a cycling city are continuing at full pace, adding that he is highly pleased with the strong interest shown in the cycling tours they organize.

Murat Balık, President of the Green Meram Cycling and Nature Sports Association, who took part in the tour, said, “The passion for cycling initiated by our Metropolitan Mayor under the slogan ‘Konya, the Cycling City’ has spread among the people of Konya. There is now a significant level of bicycle use in the city. Konya has already been declared the European Cycling Capital this year. In this context, cycling tours like the one we organized today are being held. Around 90 people joined today’s tour. We are moving forward with good coordination, accompanied by beautiful scenery. We would like to thank the Metropolitan Municipality for providing us with this opportunity.”

Other cycling enthusiasts who shared their views also said they rode along an excellent route rich in historical and natural beauty. The participants noted that the organization was of a high standard, thanked the Konya Metropolitan Municipality, and expressed their desire for the tours to continue.