Tourism in Konya City

In Anatolia, central Turkey, the famous city of Konya stands as one of the wonderful tourist destinations. 

While all regions of Turkey possess a beautiful blend of the imprints of successive civilizations, this city has a special character and a captivating reputation, especially for followers and lovers of the Sufi path. 

The city is the homeland of the philosopher and Sufi poet Jalal al-Din Rumi, making it a center for Sufi culture, with its sublime spiritual meanings whose principles have spread across the world.

This article introduces you to the treasures of Konya, Turkey, with its unique blend of heritage and natural diversity, ensuring your visit will be an unforgettable memory. 

It's the impact that the experience of tourism in Konya leaves on those who enter it.

General Information About Konya

Konya is located in the central Anatolian region of Turkey and is considered one of the largest cities in the country in terms of area. 

It is surrounded by various provinces, bordered by Ankara to the north, Aksaray and Nigde to the east, Adana and Mersin to the south, and Isparta, Burdur, and Afyon to the west.

The area of Konya is approximately 38,873 square kilometers, making it the most extensive city in the country. Its total area as a province amounts to about 91.62 square kilometers, including many rural areas and villages alongside the city itself. 

Various civilizations have succeeded in Konya, but its golden age was when it was made the capital of the Seljuk state, which ruled between 1037 and 1194 AD.

Regarding the weather in Konya, it is important to know that it enjoys a continental climate, with hot and dry summers, and cold and snowy winters. 

Temperatures in Konya in the summer range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, while in the winter, they sometimes drop below freezing.

Best Tourist Attractions in Konya

When searching for tourist attractions in Konya, the Mevlana Museum (Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi Museum) will surely come to mind, but there is much more to explore in this list, although this museum is the first place to start with:

Mevlana Museum (Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi Museum)

The most important landmark in the area, located in the Karatay district, not far from the city center. It houses the tomb of the famous Sufi poet and philosopher. 

It is distinguished by its warm architectural design, especially the shrine, which consists of a circular room containing Mawlana's tomb and a platform displaying his texts and artifacts. 

Visitors are allowed to pray and meditate in this place, which holds great symbolism for Rumi’s admirers and satisfies the curiosity of those wishing to learn about the Mevlevi order and the dervishes in Konya, the cradle of Sufi culture.

Alaaddin Hill (Alaaddin Tepesi)

A site featuring a notable Seljuk relic, the grand and majestic Alaaddin Mosque, which dates back to the 13th century. It is surrounded by a beautiful park, and many Seljuk sultans' tombs are scattered around it.

Selimiye Mosque

Named after Sultan Selim, who ordered its construction between 1566 and 1574. The mosque is characterized by its beautiful Ottoman design and its location near the Mevlana Museum. 

It is one of the city's most prominent religious and historical landmarks. In addition to being a place of worship, it is considered a cultural center that attracts tourists and those interested in Ottoman architecture.

The mosque features a large dome surrounded by smaller domes, with two tall minarets on either side of the main entrance. It accommodates a large number of worshippers and is distinguished by its beautiful interior decorations, including decorative inscriptions and Quranic verses written in exquisite Islamic calligraphy.

The mosque's exterior facade shows the simplicity and elegance of Ottoman architecture, with white stones and marble, and windows adorned with stained glass that allows beautiful light to enter the mosque.

Beysehir Lake

Located northwest of Konya, specifically between it and Isparta province, it is the third-largest lake in Turkey and the largest freshwater lake. 

The lake covers an area of approximately 656 square kilometers and has an average depth ranging between 10 and 12 meters, making it an ideal destination for water activities like boating and fishing.

The lake is home to many species of birds and fish, and the Beysehir National Park surrounding it is home to a great diversity of plants and animals. 

Beysehir is one of the most important birdwatching sites in Turkey, where visitors can see rare species of migratory and resident birds.

The areas surrounding the lake offer opportunities for camping, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of nature. There are many small islands in the lake, some of which contain historical ruins and ancient temples.

Konya Archaeological Museum

The museum houses a wide range of artifacts from different time periods, starting from the Stone Age, through the Roman period, to the Ottoman era.

Seljuk Tower

A towering building in the city center, visible from various parts of Konya, standing 163 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Anatolia and Turkey overall.

It consists of 42 floors and combines modern architectural design with elements inspired by Seljuk architecture, evident in the decorations and details on the exterior facade.
The tower is a symbol of the modern era in Konya, representing a blend of history and modernity. 

It houses offices, shopping centers, and a conference hall, as well as restaurants and cafes.

One of its most notable features is a revolving restaurant on the top floor, offering visitors a panoramic view of the entire city, where they can enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking view of the city from different angles.

In short, it is a preferred tourist destination for those who want to see the city from above or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. 

It represents the bridge between the city's ancient heritage and its modern architecture, providing a different perspective of the city.

Cultural Events and Festivals in Konya

You must have formed an idea about what Konya means to the Turkish people in general, making it fertile ground for festivals and cultural events reflecting its rich heritage and history. Among the most prominent events:

Mevlana Festival

This festival is held every December to commemorate the death of Jalal al-Din Rumi, the founder of the Mevlevi Sufi order. 

It is the most significant event in Konya, featuring the famous Mevlevi dervish performances (Sufi dance), along with traditional poetry and music. 

The festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world who come to explore Sufi philosophy and enjoy the unique spiritual atmosphere.

The most prominent events take place on December 17th, known as "Shab-e Arus" or "The Wedding Night" for the Mevlevi followers, as it is considered the night of the spiritual reunion with God. 

The events include dervish performances, lectures, music sessions, and poetry evenings inspired by Rumi's poems.

Konya Culture and Book Fair

One of the largest book fairs in the region, featuring many local and international publishing houses and attended by prominent writers and authors. It includes lectures, workshops, and book-signing sessions.

International Mystic Music Festival

Held every September, this festival celebrates mystical Sufi music from various cultures around the world. 

Artists and musicians participate, offering performances that highlight the diverse melodies and songs of Sufi heritage.

Tulip Festival

Konya is famous for cultivating tulips, exporting millions of them annually to European and Asian countries. 

This festival is held in spring to celebrate the beauty of this flower, with the city adorned with tulips, and art exhibitions and musical concerts held in public gardens.

You can align your visit to the tourist attractions in Konya with this wonderful time.

Recommended Hotels in Konya

As a destination for millions of visitors and tourists annually, the area boasts a variety of hotels suitable for different budgets, ranging from affordable options to luxurious accommodations. Here are some suggestions that have received generally positive reviews:

Dedeman Konya Hotel  

A luxurious choice offering comfortable accommodation in elegantly furnished rooms. It also provides a high-level wellness center for relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in the Selcuklu district, it is a five-star hotel.

Anemon Konya Hotel  

Another five-star hotel in the Selcuklu district, close to the Mevlana Museum and Konya's train station. It is a favorite among business travelers and investors visiting Konya.

Konya Dervish Hotel  

A 3-star hotel in the city center, situated in an Ottoman house dating back to the 19th century. 

This provides guests with a unique and intimate experience, especially with its wooden floors. The reasonably priced hotel is known for its friendly staff and is surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes, offering tourists a rich experience in a small area.

Pertevniyal Aziziye Hotel  

This charming hotel is located in the Meram district of Konya. It is relatively inexpensive compared to the hospitality it offers, especially the rich and fresh breakfast that caters to various dietary preferences. The rooms are named after women who have left significant positive marks on history.

Konya Zafer Pansiyon  

A small guesthouse located about two kilometers from the Mevlana Museum, suitable for non-family tourist groups or youth travelers. 

It offers comfortable rooms with multiple beds and provides a kitchen in all rooms. Pets are also allowed. 

This hotel appeals to tourists who enjoy being in the heart of the city and its museum-filled neighborhoods. 

It is an affordable and good option that adds to the diverse map of hotels catering to the needs of tourism in Konya.