From seeing the famed Whirling Dervishes to exploring mystic Sufi history, here are the best things to do in Konya, Turkey.
Konya is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey, and yet, even as the 7th largest urban area in the country, I know very few fellow travellers that have visited. That’s a shame, because Konya is one of Turkey’s most fascinating destinations, offering an intriguing mix of historical, spiritual and cultural sights in the heart of the Anatolian plateau.
Konya is best known for its associations with the mystical poet Rumi, and the Whirling Dervishes. A centre of Sufi culture, the city’s ancient roots stretch back to the Neolithic era, with contributions from the Phrygians, Hittites, Romans and Seljuks all shaping its enduring history.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, Konya became the capital of the Seljuk Empire, the forerunner to the Ottoman Empire that would come to dominate much of Europe, Asia and North Africa. Konya evolved quickly into a centre of Islamic art, science and philosophy, and today, the city’s skyline is punctuated by minarets and domes.
The legacy of the Seljuks and the profound spiritual heritage of the Sufi order make Konya a unique destination for those seeking historical insight away from better known tourist hotspots like Cappadocia or the Turquoise Coast. Whether you’re wandering through ancient ruins, exploring Seljuk architecture or attending an utterly mesmerising Mevlevi Sema Ceremony, here are the best things to do in Konya.
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Things to do in Konya
Konya is one of the best connected cities in Turkey, which makes it doubly surprising how little visited it is, especially given its close proximity to Ankara and Cappadocia. When I last visited, I was one of just a handful of non-Turkish tourists exploring the Seljuk architecture and Sufi sights, and in my opinion, that’s all the more reason to add Konya to your bucket list.
It’s super easy to reach Konya on the High Speed YHT train from Istanbul, with a journey time of just under 5 hours. There’s also a High Speed YHT link to Ankara, the Turkish capital, which at under 2 hours travel time is even quicker and easier to reach. I’d recommend turning the journey into a triangle, travelling from Istanbul to Konya, Konya to Ankara, and Ankara to Istanbul. You won’t regret getting off the beaten track here!
1. Uncover Sufi mysticism at the Mevlana Museum
Konya is the home of Sufism, the mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam. Sufism emphasises the inward search for God, the cultivation of the heart and soul, and Sufis seek to achieve a closer personal relationship with the Divine, often through practices that transcend the ritualistic and even legalistic aspects of Islam.
The Mevlana Museum in Konya is the best place to learn more about the unusual Islamic order. A spiritual and cultural landmark, the museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of the revered Sufi mystic, Jalal ad-Din Rumi, who was better known as Mevlana in Turkey. Established in 1926, the museum occupies the site of the former dervish lodge where Rumi lived, taught, and was eventually laid to rest. The complex is centred around Rumi’s mausoleum, easily recognisable by its striking green dome, which has become an iconic symbol of Konya’s Sufi heritage.
Inside, the museum houses a collection of artefacts related to Rumi and the Mevlevi Order, which you may know as the famed Whirling Dervishes. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors from around the world come to Konya to pay homage, especially during the annual Mevlana Festival, which celebrates the mystic’s life with music, dance and prayer.
2. See the Whirling Dervishes at a Mevlevi Sema Ceremony
Witnessing a Whirling Dervish ceremony, or Mevlevi Sema, is one of the top things to do in Konya if you’re fascinated by Sufi culture. Much more authentic than the tourist-centric events you’ll see advertised in Istanbul, you’ll be given a profound insight into Sufi mysticism in the city where the Mevlevi Order was founded by the followers of the 13th-century poet and mystic, Jalal ad-Din Rumi.
The Sema ceremony is a deeply symbolic ritual that represents the soul’s journey towards spiritual enlightenment. Participants, known as dervishes, perform the distinctive whirling dance while dressed in traditional white robes and conical hats. The ceremony begins with a recitation from the Quran, followed by a series of ritualistic movements and prayers. The dervishes then begin to spin gracefully in a state of meditation, accompanied by traditional music played on instruments such as the ney (reed flute) and the kudüm (drum).
It’s quite the sight!
3. Explore Seljuk history at the Alaeddin Mosque
Alaeddin Mosque is situated atop Alaeddin Hill in the centre of Konya, and it’s a lasting tribute to the architectural brilliance of the Seljuk Empire. Constructed in the 12th century, the mosque was commissioned by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, and played a pivotal role in the early the Seljuk court, functioning as both a royal palace and a symbol of imperial power.
The mosque’s architecture embodies the Seljuk style, with a simple yet imposing design born from the empire’s nomadic roots on the steppes of Central Asia. Its vast interior is supported by an array of columns, each distinct in form, the mihrab is adorned with exquisite tile work, and the finely carved wooden minbar is marvellous.
Alaeddin Mosque is also the final resting place for several Seljuk sultans, whose tombs are housed within its walls, making this, effectively, a mausoleum for the Seljuk dynasty.
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4. Delve into Seljuk culture and art at Karatay Medrese
Karatay Medrese is another exquisite example of Seljuk architecture. Founded by Celaleddin Karatay in 1251, this former theological school is now a museum dedicated to showcasing Seljuk art and culture. The medrese’s facade is a masterpiece of stone carving, featuring intricate geometric patterns and Islamic calligraphy.
Inside, the medrese houses a unique collection of Seljuk tiles and ceramics, while the domed interior is adorned with intricate tilework in shades of blue and turquoise. One of the highlights is the mihrab, which is decorated with beautiful faience tiles.
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5. Dig into ancient history at Konya Archaeological Museum
Konya’s history begins long before the city became the capital of the Seljuk Empire in the 12th century. You can find out more about the city’s ancient roots by visiting the excellent Konya Archaeological Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts spanning from the Neolithic era to the Byzantine period. One of the museum’s highlights is the impressive array of artefacts from the ancient settlement of Çatalhöyük, an archaeological site just outside Konya.
Exhibits include pottery, stone tools and figurines, showcasing the daily life and spiritual practices of early Anatolian communities. Additionally, the museum is home to remarkable Roman mosaics, statues, and funerary stelae.
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6. Embrace Anatolian culture at Konya Ethnographic Museum
The Konya Ethnographic Museum offers a deep dive into the cultural heritage and daily life of Anatolia’s past inhabitants. Housed in a historic building, the museum is home to an intriguing collection of artefacts spanning from the Seljuk period right through to the early 20th century.
Inside, you’ll find traditional Anatolian costumes, intricately designed textiles and household items that paint a vivid picture of the social and domestic life in Konya. The museum also features beautifully crafted wooden furniture, Konya’s distinctive carpets, metalwork and pottery, reflecting the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans.
7. Learn about modern Turkey’s founding father at the Atatürk House Museum
Konya’s Atatürk House Museum is dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Located in a well preserved early 20th-century building, the museum commemorates Atatürk’s visits to Konya and his lasting influence on the city and the nation.
The museum is home to a collection of personal items, photographs, and documents related to Atatürk’s life, and it’s an excellent place to learn about his transformative role in Turkey’s history. You can explore rooms furnished in the style of the early Republican period, providing a glimpse into the era’s domestic life and Atatürk’s enduring legacy.
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8. See the ‘slender’ architecture of the Ince Minaret Medrese
The Ince Minaret Medrese was commissioned by the Seljuk vizier Sahip Ata in 1260. This medrese, or theological school, served as an important centre for Islamic education during the Seljuk era. Its most striking feature is the slender, intricately carved minaret, which gives the medrese its name, ‘Ince Minaret’, meaning ‘Slender Minaret’.
The façade of the medrese is designed with stone carvings, featuring geometric patterns and intricate calligraphy that exemplify Seljuk artistry. Inside, the medrese now functions as a museum, with a rich collection of wooden and stone artefacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.
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9. Admire unique Ottoman-era designs at Aziziye Mosque
If you need a change from all that Seljuk architecture, then I’d recommend visiting Aziziye Mosque, which blends Ottoman and Baroque styles. Constructed in the late 17th century and rebuilt after a fire in 1867 by Sultan Abdulaziz, the mosque stands out with unique design elements uncommon in traditional Ottoman architecture. Its most striking features are the two tall, slender minarets with elaborate stone carvings and the grand central dome supported by large, round arches.
The mosque’s interior is equally impressive, adorned with intricate tile work, ornate calligraphy, and expansive windows that allow natural light to illuminate the prayer hall. The blend of Baroque and Ottoman architectural influences creates a distinctive aesthetic that sets Aziziye Mosque apart from other religious structures in Konya.
10. Take a break at the Tropikal Kelebek Bahçesi (Tropical Butterfly Garden)
Konya is heavy on Seljuk, Ottoman and Sufi history, but if you need a break, then why not visit the Tropikal Kelebek Bahçesi, or the Tropical Butterfly Garden? This expansive indoor garden is home to hundreds of butterfly species, offering a tropical escape from the religious tourism Konya is better known for.
The garden is intended to mimic a tropical ecosystem, featuring exotic plants, cascading waterfalls, and a warm, humid climate essential for the butterflies’ survival. Educational displays provide insights into the life cycle of butterflies, their habitats, and the importance of conservation efforts.
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11. Explore international friendships at the Japanese Park
The Japanese Garden is a symbol of friendship between Turkey and Japan. Like the Tropical Butterfly Garden, it also offers a somewhat different activity to all those mosques and museums when you’re exploring the best things to do in Konya.
Opened in 2010, the garden encapsulates the essence of traditional Japanese landscaping, featuring elements like koi ponds, stone lanterns, and elegantly arched bridges that very much stand in stark contrast to the dusty Anatolian plains that surround Konya. The garden also includes a traditional tea house, where you can experience the cultural practice of Japanese tea ceremonies in the unlikeliest of places.
12. Visit the lush vineyards of Meram Bağları
Meram Bağları, located on the outskirts of Konya, is known for its lush vineyards and orchards. Historically, this Konya suburb has been a leisure retreat since the Seljuk period, when it served as an escape for royalty and nobility.
Today, Meram Bağları remains a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking respite from Konya’s hectic streets. Here you’ll find sprawling vineyards, fruit-laden orchards, and scenic walking paths shaded by ancient trees. Traditional wooden houses and tea gardens line the Meram River, making a great place for a leisurely walk.
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13. Uncover Greek history in Sille Village
Sille Village is just a short drive from Konya, and it’s one of the best places to see the relics of Turkey’s bygone eras. With roots tracing back over 5,000 years, Sille has a history encompassing the Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. For centuries, the village was a hub for Greek culture, and the Greek language was spoken here right up until 1922 when population exchanges changed the demographic makeup of Turkey forever.
Orthodox Christian history abounds in Sille, with one of the highlights being the Aya-Elena Church, which built in the 4th century and renovated by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The village is also home to rock-carved churches and monasteries. They’re similar to the ones found in Cappadocia, and reflect the region’s early Christian heritage.
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14. Immerse yourself in the neolithic past at Çatalhöyük
Located approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Konya, Çatalhöyük is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Turkey. Thought to date back to around 7500 BC, this ancient settlement is considered one of the earliest urban centres of human civilization, and excavations at Çatalhöyük continue to reveal the remnants of a surprisingly complex society.
Discovered in the 1950s by British archaeologist James Mellaart, the site has since provided invaluable insights into early human settlement and urban development. Çatalhöyük was a large, dense settlement, housing an estimated population of up to 8,000 people at its peak. The settlement is notable for its unique architectural layout, with closely packed mud-brick houses that were accessed through roofs, indicating a communal and highly organised society.
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Map of the best things to do in Konya
Here’s a map of the best things to do in Konya:
There you go, the best things to do in Konya! Will you be visiting this Turkish city?
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