Location: Konya
Top Things to do in Konya
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Things to do in Konya, Konya Province: The Best History Museums
Konya (Turkish pronunciation: [ˈkon.ja]; Greek: Ἰκόνιον Ikónion, Latin: Iconium) is a major city in south-western edge of the Central Anatolian Plateau and is the seventh-most-populous city in Turkey with a metropolitan population of over 2.1 million. Konya is an economically and industrially developed city and the capital of Konya Province.
Restaurants in Konya
1. Mevlana Muzesi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,486 reviews
Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States
This museum (and pilgrimage center) commemorates the teachings of Celaleddin Rumi (later known as Mevlâna = my master). Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic originally from northeast Iran, but his influence transcends national borders and ethnic divisions. Rumi's works are written mostly in Persian, and occasionally in Turkish, Arabic, and Greek; his Masnavi (Mathnawi), composed in Konya, is considered one of the greatest poems of the Persian language. His works are widely read today by Iranians, Tajiks, Turks, Greeks, Pashtuns, other Central Asian Muslims. His teachings inspired the whirling dervishes. The pilgrimage site is surrounded by a garden; entry is through the Dervişan Kapısı (Gate of the Dervishes). The courtyard has an ablutions fountain in the center, with Rumi's mausoleum to the left and a former whirling dervish lodge to the right (which has been converted into a museum). At the entrance to the mausoleum, the Ottoman silver door bears the inscription, "Those who enter here incomplete will come out perfect". An outer room contains six sarcophagi belong to religious supporters who followed Rumi from Afghanistan. The sumptuously-decorated inner room (under the fluted dome) contains the tombs of Mevlâna (the largest), flanked by his son Sultan Veled and those of other eminent dervishes. They are all covered in beautifully embroidered velvet shrouds; Mevlâna's and Veled 's bear huge turbans, symbols of spiritual authority. Mevlâna's tomb dates from Seljuk times. The mosque and semahane (hall where whirling ceremonies were held), were added later by Ottoman sultans (Mehmet the Conqueror was a Mevlevi adherent and Süleyman the Magnificent made charitable donations to the order). The semahane to the left of the sepulchral chamber contains exhibits such as the original copy of the Mathnawi, Mevlâna's cape and other clothing, a 9th-century gazelle-skin Christian manuscript, a tiny copy of the Koran, and a casket containing strands of Mohammed's beard. The matbah (kitchen) of the lodge is in the southwest corner of the courtyard. It is furnished as it would have been in Mevlâna's day, with mannequins dressed as dervishes. The cells where the dervishes lived run along the northern and western sides of the courtyard. Inside are a host of ethnographic displays elucidating dervish life. Beside the museum is the Selimiye Cami, with a fluted dome of turquoise tiles. A visit early on a weekday can avoid some of the crowds visiting later in the day. The museum is open from 9am to 6pm (closes at 5pm Oct to Apr), with no entry fee; audio guide ₺10). Visitors to the mausoleum must don shoe coverings (provided free of charge) as a sign of respect.
2. Ince Minare Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By MathiasS75
Ince Minare, which comes from Seldjuk times, when Konya was the capital of Turkey (known as the Sultanate of Rum, the Roman (Byzantine) Sultanate, or simply the Sultanate of Ikonion (Konya)) was the reason why I wanted to visit Konya. Not for the famous minaret, reduced in size, but for the intricately sculpted entrance livan, which I always found amazing in pictures. It's smaller than I expected, but was just as nice. The carvings deserve several detailed pictures. The inside is fine too.
3. Konyanuma Panorama Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Konyanuma panorama museum shows Konya's social life in the 13th century. You will see Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi's sema in the panorama. The Panorama museum has many details such as historical medreses, mosques, the walls, soldiers, Sultans, many sculptures from different nations. Konya was capital of the Seljuk Empire it was quite rich and cosmopolitan city during the history. There are several paintings which tell about the life of Rumi on the down floor and many Mevlevi Lodges miniatures in the museum's yard. Konyanuma Panorama Museum waits for precious visitors.
Reviewed By EdinKrnic - Tuzi, Montenegro
Beautiful Mevlana museum is located only 300 meters from Mevlana mausoleum. Entrance is 5TL for kids only 2 TL.
4. Nasrettin Hoca Ethnography & Archaeology Museum
5. Sille Muzesi
It is a museum where the Sille culture is exhibited. You will see the harmony of traditional architecture and modern architecture in this museum. Everything you need to learn about Sille is in this museum.
