Konya

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Konya Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 - 2 days

Best Time: April to September Read More

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"City of Whirling Dervishes"

Konya Tourism

Considered to be one of the first residential cities in the world, Konya is a town in the Central Anatolia region in Turkey, towards the south of Ankara. Konya houses numerous mosques and museums and is most popular for the Mevlana Museum, the burial site of the world-famous poet Rumi. It is also the best place in Turkey to experience the Whirling Dervishes ceremony.

Konya is known to be one of Turkey's oldest continuously inhabited cities. It is also the city to see the world's first human settlement, urbanisation, and animal domestication. Primarily a hub for the growth of Sufi culture, Konya was once the capital of the Seljuk Turks or the Sultanate of Rum. It is known for its magnificent Seljuk architecture and intricate designs on the tombs of the elderly. Konya is an excellent alternative to Istanbul; free of the hustle and bustle of the big city, it is an ideal holiday destination for people who love to travel in quiet places with a hint of history.

The city of Konya is placed on flat land and is overlooked by an artificial hill, Alaattin Tepesi, built by nobles to enjoy picturesque views of Konya. This hillock in the city center houses the ruins of the old town, the palace and currently serves as the central park. Konya hosts several annual events celebrating the exuberant culture of the Seljuk Sultanate.

Must Know Before You Travel to Konya

  • Havas bus is the cheapest way to reach city center from Konya airport taking 45 minutes and ticket costs 120 TL.
  • City buses (34, 54, and 111) pass within 500 meters of the airport on Highway D715, but don’t enter the airport premises.
  • KonyaKart, a public transport card, can be bought at card loading centers for 30 TL. This can be used for all public transport options.
  • Konya’s city center is focused around Seljuk Mosque and the Mevlevi Museum
  • It's easier to walk around Konya since all destinations are close to each other.
  • It is recommended to book a hotel within walking distance of Mevlana Museum or Alaaddin Square.
  • Konya is one of the most conservative cities in Turkey, and it is not appreciated to wear revealing clothes, especially for women. One must cover their head to blend in.
  • Avoid visiting Konya during Ramadan
  •  Konya does not have a vibrant nightlife. However, certain Sufi nights, live music and DJ nights are available around the city center. Moreover, one can enjoy rooftop dinners around the Selcuklu region.
  • Famous for its handmade carpets and Konya sekeri, a kind of candy, Konya has several souvenirs you can take home. Some of the best places in Konya to shop are Kent Plaza, Novada Outlet Konya, Kapali Carsi, Firat Hali and Kulesite Alisveris Merkezi.

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Shopping in Konya

Konya is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its bustling markets and modern shopping centers. The Konya Bazaar is a must-visit, offering a variety of goods including spices, textiles, and traditional Turkish handicrafts. For a more contemporary shopping experience, Kent Plaza and Kule Site malls feature international brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Additionally, visitors can explore specialty shops selling local delicacies like Turkish delight and saffron, as well as beautifully crafted ceramics and carpets, which make for perfect souvenirs.

History of Konya

Konya, one of Turkey's oldest cities, boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Originally known as Iconium, it was an important city in the Roman and Byzantine periods. In the 13th century, Konya became the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum and flourished as a cultural and political center. It is famously associated with the Persian poet and Sufi mystic Rumi, who spent much of his life there. The city remains a hub of Turkish culture and spirituality, with numerous historical sites and the renowned Mevlana Museum dedicated to Rumi.

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How to Reach Konya

How to Reach Overview

Konya can be reached by air(flights connected to Istanbul and other Turkish destinations), by train, bus or road.

How to reach Konya by flight

Konya Airport is located 18 km north of the city. It has three flights daily from both Istanbul airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AnadoluJet mostly fly from IST, while Pegasus Airlines operates from SAW. During summer and Christmas holidays, there are direct flights from Europe, such as Düsseldorf via Sun Express.

Local transport in Konya

Most sites in the central district are within 1 km, making it easy to explore on foot. Trams run from 06:00 to midnight. Line 1 runs north-south from Selçuk University via the bus terminal and Selçuklu YHT station to Zafer/Alaaddin Hill in the city center. Line 2 runs east-west from Alifbey via the Mevlana Cultural Centre to Zafer/Alaadin Hill.
Trams and buses require a KonyaKart, which costs 30 TL and each journey. The card can be bought and topped up at various locations, including the bus and railway stations.

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