11 Must-See Places in Konya: A Travel Guide
Welcome to Konya, a city in Turkey renowned for its spirituality and rich cultural heritage. From ancient madrasas, shrines, and museums to historical houses, Konya is a treasure trove of architectural marvels that draws tourists from around the world. However, Konya is not just about its historical buildings in the city center. The city is also surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
If you're planning a trip to Konya and wondering where to go and what to see, you've come to the right place! In this article, we've done the research for you and compiled a list of interesting locations that you simply can't miss while visiting Konya and its surroundings. So, fasten your seat belts, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the spiritual and cultural heartland of Turkey!
1. Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum
Mevlana Museum, one of the most important icons of Konya, is full of unique objects such as the oldest Masnavi dated 1278, as well as an 8-string violin, various patience stones and a sphere used in astronomy classes during the Galileo period, which is considered the ancestor of today's violins. There is also a tomb belonging to Mevlana's mentor Shams and numerous Seljuk tombs in the museum, which consists of different sections. The museum, which is visited by many local and foreign tourists every year, is a magnificent area where historical icons are exhibited.
2. Alaeddin Hill
Alaeddin Hill, popularly called 'high hill', is actually a mound in the city center, and a prehistoric date lies under the mound. The hill, which is the only elevation of the flat Konya Ovası, is used as a beautiful viewing hill from which the illuminated intersection is viewed just below. There is also the Alaeddin Mosque, one of the most important and largest mosques of the Anatolian Seljuks, in the vicinity. In this sense, it stands out as both a cultural and historical center.
3. Konya Bedesten Bazaar
Konya Bedesten Bazaar, built by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent in 1538, is an impressive bazaar that was restored and restored in 2013. Bedesten, which has 40 streets and 2687 shops in which its architecture has been preserved, is still actively functioning. A historical bazaar where there are usually clothes, antique goods, home textiles and souvenir shops; especially if you have gone on a cultural tour of Konya, it is one-on-one to collect a few pieces of souvenirs.
4. Tropical Kelebek Garden
Konya is always at the forefront with its historical and religious values, but the city is also known for its spacious gardens and green areas. Among them, the butterfly garden, which teleports its visitors to the tropical climate of the Philippines, is almost an oasis. Inside, there are 4 different sections in the garden where the tropical fauna where the butterflies come from is created; indoor flight area, outdoor flight area, production area and museum. As soon as you enter, you should definitely add this impressive place where butterflies fly around you to your Konya sightseeing route.
5. Meram Bağları
Meram, which is the famous district of Konya with its vineyard and garden, is an area that Evliya Çelebi mentioned in his travelogue by being influenced in his time. This heritage belonging to Meram, which used to be one of the greenest and wetlands of Konya, is now being tried to be kept alive in Meram Vineyards. If you like vineyards, where transformation works are still ongoing, giant-sized thematic parks and lush social facilities, it can be a great recreation area for you.
6. Kyoto Japanese Park
When you go to Konya, you will see a lot of theme parks. Kyoto Japanese Garden, another impressive area in the city, is a big enough area to make you forget that you are in Konya. You can participate in Japanese tea ceremonies and take advantage of open buffet breakfast menus at Kyoto Park, which will take you to Japan with its Japanese landscaping, special architecture and aesthetic details.
7. Çatalhöyük
Çatalhöyük, located 40 km from the city center in Konya, is one of the oldest settlements belonging to humanity and therefore an important heritage that must be seen. Çatalhöyük, which was protected by UNESCO in 2012, is a Neolithic town that hosted 8000 people with its special urban design, street culture and social life flowing over the roof.
8. Sille Neighborhood
Located in the Seljuklu district of Konya, Sille Neighborhood is a cute and cozy town just 15 minutes from the center. There are cave houses and temples belonging to those years in the town, which is an important Christian center just like Cappadocia. Sille, where Greeks lived until the exchange, is now one of the most popular places for Sunday breakfasts with its stone mansions and cafes.
9. Beyşehir Lake
Beyşehir Lake, which most people know as the 'sea of Konya', is home to many endemic plant and bird species with the Beyşehir district on its shore and the magnificent nature it contains. There is an island in the middle of Lake Beyşehir, where there are bike paths, hiking routes and campgrounds around it, and the village of Mana is also located on the island. Beyşehir district itself is a historical district that must be seen with its walls, mosques and shrines belonging to the Anatolian period in addition to its natural beauties. For this reason, Beyşehir should definitely be added to Konya travel plans.
10. Salt Lake
Most of the Salt Lake, which meets 40% of the salt needs in Turkey, is located in Konya. Tuz Lake, known as the third largest and shallowest lake in Turkey, is one of the most ideal locations to watch sunset or sunrise. You can also capture great shots in the area, which is one of the routes frequented by photography clubs every year.
11. Aksehir
Aksehir, called the 'Land of Nasreddin Hodja', once housed Aksehir Lake, but the lake dried up over time, and the life around it has come to the present day. Gülmece Park in the region was established on an area thought to be the tomb of Nasreddin Hodja and therefore attracts many tourists during the year. In addition, the nearby Rüştü Bey Mansion and the ethnography museum are also among the places to see with the works and animations belonging to Nasreddin Hodja.
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