If you are looking for things to do in Konya, you will not be disappointed. Konya is a city rich in history, culture and spirituality. It is the home of the famous Mevlana Museum, where you can learn about the life and teachings of the 13th-century poet and mystic Rumi. It is also the place where you can witness the mesmerizing whirling dervishes, who perform their ritual dance as a form of meditation and devotion. But Konya has more to offer than just these attractions. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best tourist attractions in Konya, as well as some of the top tourist attractions in Konya that you may not have heard of. Whether you are interested in ancient ruins, natural wonders or modern art, you will find something to suit your taste and curiosity. So read on and discover the things to do in Konya that will make your trip unforgettable.
Looking for things to do in Konya? Discover the best tourist attractions in Konya:
1. Mevlana Museum: The most visited site in Konya, this museum contains the mausoleum of Rumi, as well as exhibits on his life and teachings.
2. Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden: A beautiful and colorful garden with hundreds of butterflies from different species and regions.
3. Sille: A charming village near Konya, with historical churches, mosques, and houses.
4. Aziziye Mosque: A stunning mosque with a distinctive dome and minarets, built in the 17th century.
5. Konyanuma Panorama Museum: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Konya through a 360-degree panoramic painting.
6. Alaeddin Hill: A hill in the center of Konya, with a mosque, a palace, and a park.
7. Konya Science Center: A modern and interactive science museum with exhibits on various topics, such as astronomy, biology, and physics.
8. Mevlana Cultural Center: A cultural center that hosts performances of the whirling dervishes, as well as concerts and festivals.
9. Ince Minare Museum: A museum that displays Seljuk art and architecture, housed in a former madrasa (Islamic school) with a slender minaret.
10. Meram Baglari: A green and scenic area with gardens, fountains, and cafes, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the view.
11. Iplikci Mosque: A mosque that dates back to the 13th century, with a simple but elegant design.
12. Selimiye Mosque: A mosque that was built by the Ottoman sultan Selim II in the 16th century, with a spacious and ornate interior.
13. Sahip Ata Mosque: A mosque that was built by a Seljuk vizier in the 13th century, with a distinctive portal and a turquoise dome.
14. Karatay Tile Works Museum: A museum that exhibits ceramic art from the Seljuk period, housed in a former madrasa with a domed hall.
15. Aksehir Lake National Park: A national park that encompasses a large lake and its surroundings, with rich flora and fauna.
16. Catalhoyuk: An archaeological site that contains the remains of one of the oldest settlements in the world, dating back to the Neolithic era.
17. Kubadabad Palace: A palace that was built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I in the 13th century, on the shore of Beysehir Lake.
18. Sems-i Tebrizi Tomb & Mosque: A tomb and a mosque that are dedicated to Sems-i Tebrizi, a Sufi mystic and Rumi’s mentor.
19. Ataturk House Museum: A museum that displays personal belongings and memorabilia of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.
20. Archaeological Museum of Konya: A museum that exhibits artifacts from various periods and civilizations, such as Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk.
21. Beysehir Lake: The largest freshwater lake in Turkey, with clear water and scenic islands.
22. Seyh Sadreddin Konevi Tomb: A tomb that belongs to Seyh Sadreddin Konevi, a Sufi scholar and philosopher who was a contemporary of Rumi.
23. Ecdat Parki: A park that features statues of prominent figures from Turkish history and culture, such as sultans, poets, and warriors.
24. Kapu Camii: A mosque that was built by an Ottoman governor in the 17th century, with an impressive wooden ceiling and calligraphy.
25. Nasreddin Hoca Monument: A monument that depicts Nasreddin Hoca, a legendary figure who is known for his humorous stories and jokes.
26. Tavusbaba Tomb: A tomb that belongs to Tavusbaba, a Sufi saint who was reputed to have miraculous powers.
27. Japanese Garden: A garden that was designed by Japanese landscape architects, with a pond, a bridge, and a tea house.
28. Koyunoglu Museum: A museum that displays the collection of a wealthy and philanthropic family from Konya, including books, carpets, weapons, and coins.
29. Aya Eleni Church: A church that was built by the Byzantines in the 11th century, and later converted into a mosque by the Seljuks.
30. Sircali Medresesi: A madrasa that was built by the Seljuk sultan Kaykhusraw II in the 13th century, with a richly decorated portal and a courtyard.
31. Kultur Park: A park that offers various recreational facilities, such as playgrounds, pools, and sports fields.
32. Zazadin Han: A caravanserai that was built by the Seljuks in the 13th century, along the Silk Road.
33. Klistra Antique City: An ancient city that dates back to the Hellenistic period, with ruins of temples, baths, and tombs.
34. Esrefoglu Mosque: A mosque that was built by the Anatolian beylik of Esrefoglu in the 13th century, with a wooden roof and columns.
35. Akoren Village: A village that preserves its traditional architecture and lifestyle, with stone houses and gardens.
36. Konya Ethnography Museum: A museum that exhibits items related to the folk culture of Konya and its region, such as costumes, jewelry, and handicrafts.
37. Sille Dam Lake: A lake that was formed by a dam on the Sille River, with a scenic view and a picnic area.
38. Meke Lake: A lake that is located in a volcanic crater, with a smaller lake inside it.
39. Kilistra Antique City: An ancient city that was inhabited by early Christians, with rock-cut churches and dwellings.
40. Cihanbeyli Caves: A group of caves that contain stalactites, stalagmites, and fossils.
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