The Beauty of Meram Creek: A Glorious Sight in Konya

In the past, Meram Creek was one of the most important waterways that defined the region and city of Konya. The city of Konya is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains to the west and northwest. Because the city is built on the fertile land created by these mountains, it has maintained its importance throughout history and has been selected as a safe rest stop. Of these water sources, the most important is the Meram Creek. The creek is formed by streams originating from the western mountains such as the Başarakavak, and Sille rivers, which are fed by various sources. The small streams forming the Meram Creek converge in the Altunkapak (Altınapa) area, about 40 kilometers from the city. There are claims that during the Seljuk period, a dam was built to control the water here. Again, in the same area, during the Republic period, the Altınapa Dam was built to protect Konya from floods caused by the overflow of the Meram Creek.

During the Seljuk Period, the waters from the Meram Creek were collected in the Havzan water reservoirs in a systematic manner and were transported to the important structures and existing fountains in the city through soil channels. The Meram Creek passing through the city also ensured that the dirty and waste waters of Konya were discharged into the lake to the northeast without causing damage to the city by means of the moat surrounding the walls.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, famous travelers who visited Konya mentioned the Meram Creek in their works. One of these travelers, Kazvinli Hamdullah Mustevfi (d. 1349), in his work "Nuzhetu'l-kulub," described Konya by saying: "The city's water comes from the mountains to the west. On top of this water, a large dome has been built near the west gate of the castle. 200 fountains flow outside of this dome." Kâtip Çelebi, in his work "Cihannuma," says: "In the south of the mountain, there is a garden and picnic area called Meram. Streams flow from the mountain to the city and Meram. After irrigating the cemetery and city's gardens, the foot of these waters forms a lake in the south of the city. And that lake borders the mountains. The city's water comes from the mountains. There is a great dome in the doorway of water, and outside 300 fountains flow and are divided into the city."