Top Things to do in Konya Province
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Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Konya Province, Konya Province
Discover the best top things to do in Konya Province, Turkey including Esrefoglu Mosque, Seyh Sadreddin Konevi Turbesi, Sonsuz Sukran Koyu, Zazadin HanI KervansarayI, Mevlana Muzesi, Sahip Ata Muzesi ve Camii, Selimiye Mosque, Aziziye Mosque, Catalhoyuk Ruins, Esrefoglu Mosque.
Restaurants in Konya Province
1. Esrefoglu Mosque
2. Seyh Sadreddin Konevi Turbesi
3. Sonsuz Sukran Koyu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
4. Zazadin HanI KervansarayI
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
5. 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.
6. Sahip Ata Muzesi ve Camii
7. Selimiye Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By ruhayao - Melbourne, Australia
Always enjoy the serenity of each place of worship. The beautiful interior decor and arabic calligraphy.
8. Aziziye Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States
Aziziye Mosque combines Baroque and traditional Ottoman architecture in a pleasing way. The original Mosque was commissioned in the late 17th century by Damat Mustafa Pasha (husband of Hatice Sultan, the daughter of sultan Mehmet IV). Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a fire in 1867, but was recommissioned by Pertevniyal, the mother of sultan Abdülaziz in 1874. (It's name Aziziye refers to Abdülaziz). The stone mosque square is in plan, with twin minarets flanking the main entrance. Minaret şerefe (balcony) roofs are supported by columns in a style unusual in Turkey. The şadırvans (water fountains) are adjacent to the minarets. The narthex (porch) has three small domes supported by six marble pillars, and the massive wood door is reminiscent of Baroque cathedral doors. Atypically, the mosque's main floor is elevated, accessed by stairs. The praying hall is square with a large dome, tastefully decorated, and well illuminated by large windows. The mihrab (niche pointing to Mecca) and mimber (pulpit) are dark bluish marble framed by gilded Baroque embellishments. I found the mosque to be a peaceful place for contemplation, and appreciated the architects skill in combining the Baroque and Ottoman architectural elements in a pleasing style. Aziziye mosque is beautifully lit at night. It is open daily with no entry fee, although a donation is appreciated. It is an active mosque, so may be closed during prayers.
9. Catalhoyuk Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By SarpedonfromLycia - Ankara, Turkey
This should be in your 'must see list' in Turkey. Çatalhöyük is only 45 minutes far from Konya city center. It was discovered by Mellaart, a great British archeologist in 1958. Once upon a time, the population was 8000 in Çatalhöyük. For that time, it is incredible. Çatalhöyük was the biggest settlement during the prehistoric period all over the world. You can compare it with Troy during 2th millenium BC, Ephesus during Hellenistic and Roman period, Rome during the Imperial age, Istanbul during 16th century or modern NYC or Shangai. When you enter the historic site, first you will see the small visitor center and model houses. You can have an idea about daily life in prehistoric Çatalhöyük by visiting this area. The most interesting thing is the location of the doors. Because the entry points of the houses were the ceilings. The doors were on the ceilings and there were no streets. After visiting the center and model houses, you can also see two covered and protected excavation sites. As you can easily guess, only a small part of the settlement has been excavated. What is really incredible is absence of any trace of aggression or war in this settlement. Think about it. Violence is the result of modernity, it is not human nature. The entrance is FREE. Do not miss it.
