Konya Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Konya, the city of whirling dervishes, is a treasure trove of spiritual history and cultural heritage nestled in the heartland of Turkey. Known for its profound association with the Sufi mystic Rumi, it beckons pilgrims and tourists alike with its serene ambiance and rich traditions.
The city's most iconic landmark is the Mevlana Museum, which is the former lodge of the whirling dervishes and the final resting place of Rumi himself. Visitors from around the world come to pay their respects and immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and Persian carpets, as well as the famous turquoise dome under which Rumi is entombed.
Konya's Selimiye Mosque, with its striking minarets and grandeur, exemplifies the classic beauty of Ottoman architecture and is an essential stop for anyone exploring the city. The Alaeddin Mosque, another architectural marvel, sits atop the Alaeddin Hill and provides a panoramic view of Konya's landscape.
The city is also home to the Ince Minareli Medrese, a 13th-century Islamic school with an intricately carved facade that now serves as the Museum of Stone and Wood Art. Equally compelling is the Karatay Medrese, which has been transformed into a tile museum showcasing exquisite Seljuk tiles and ceramics.
Konya's culinary scene offers a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine, with local specialties such as etli ekmek (a type of flatbread with meat topping) and the savory börek pastries. The city's bazaars and markets brim with spices, traditional sweets, and handcrafted souvenirs, providing a vibrant sensory experience.
For those seeking to experience the spiritual ritual that Konya is famed for, the Sema ceremonies performed by the whirling dervishes are a mesmerizing display of faith and devotion, set to the haunting strains of Sufi music.
Konya Attractions - What to See and Explore
Konya offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mevlana Museum, Alâeddin Mosque, Ince Minaret Medrese, Karatay Madrasa. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Konya – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Konya, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Lystra, Kızören Sinkhole, Taşköprü (Beyşehir).
Best Time To Visit Konya
Learn when is the best time to travel to Konya weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Sarma
Sarma is a delectable dish created by wrapping vine, cabbage, monk's rhubarb, or chard leaves around a filling typically composed of grains such as bulgur or rice and minced meat. It is cherished in many countries that once belonged to the Ottoman Empire, spanning from...
Dish
Baklava
Baklava is a cherished dessert crafted from layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup, honey, or frosting. It’s a staple in many cuisines, including those of the Levant, Middle East, South Caucasus, Balkans, Maghreb, and Central Asia.
Sweet
Dolma
Dolma is a cherished dish that spans various regions, including the Balkans, South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It essentially involves stuffing vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, zucchinis, eggplants, and pointed gourds.
Dish
Kuru fasulye
Kuru fasulye is a cherished staple in Turkish cuisine, renowned for its comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. This popular stewed bean dish is crafted with tender white beans simmered in a savory blend of olive oil, onions, and rich tomato paste or sauce.
Dish
Börek
Börek is a beloved family of baked pastries filled with delicious ingredients and crafted from thin, flaky dough such as phyllo or yufka. Originating from the Ottoman Empire, börek has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of Eastern Europe, Western Asia,...
Region: Konya