Location: Konya
Top Things to do in Konya
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What to do and see in Konya, Konya Province: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. 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.
4. Mevlana Whirling Dervishes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 528 reviews
Reviewed By So2Di
it is just hard to explain this experience. it remains a feeling of peace and calmness in one's mind. the ceremony held in culture center is big and special. but the small sema meetings held in different places around the city are more folksy and enjoyable.
5. Esrefoglu Mosque
6. Sems-i Tebrizi Tomb & Mosque
7. Sille
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Reviewed By osvaniurs
This is the most atmospheric and beautiful place I saw in Konya. Reachable by bus from the city center, it's only 25 minutes away from Alaaddin hill. Sille used to be a Christian village before the population exchange between Greece and Turkey and it is said to have been one of Rumi's favorite places after he supposedly witnessed a miracle in the local church. Sille preserves some of the old buildings, has a stream flowing along its main street and is surrounded by small rocky mountains on both sides. There are abandoned cave dwellings on one side but access to them was forbidden when I visited. The Greek church has been turned into a museum and the doorpost at the entrance contains an inscription in Karamanlica which is old Turkish written in Greek characters. If you climb up to the Zaman müzesi, a museum of clocks and watches that most likely was a church in the past, you'll see a stone bridge that you may reach by crossing the road. Any time or season is ok to visit this beautiful place.
8. Konya Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By munozoscar - Konya, Turkey
It’s one of the best places in Turkey to learn about science! You can find expositions, a planetarium and many other activities
9. Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden is the garden which has biggest butterfly flying field in Europe and first in Turkey. You will discover the enormous colours jewels, butterflies, in their natural habitat. You will witness their Harmony with nature and also each other and you will get a chance to see motifs on their gracious wings.
Reviewed By gezerayak - Bremen, Germany
Tropical Butterfly Garden is one of the most important places to see in Konya. They have created a tropical garden with warm temperature and high humidity; you feel like you are in a rain forest when you step in. There are many species of exotic butterflies, I have counted 10 of them; you can observe their flights, feeding and their exit from cocoons. Lower level of the garden is a nice information center for butterflies and other insects. It is a really interesting and educational place especially for children.
